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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


BOOK  Sfftl'". 


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Faithfully  yours. 

For  the  rvhole  wide  world, 

MRS.  M.  W.  KNAPP. 


DIARY  LETTERS 

A  Missionay  Trip  through  ihe 
West  Indies  and  to  South  America 


MRS.  M.  W.  KNAPP 


"Lift  up  your  eyes  and  looJ(  on  the  fields,' 
for   they   are    white   already    to    harvest" 


GOD'S   REVIVALIST    OFFICE 

Ringgold,  Young  and  Channing  Streets 

Cincinnati,  Ohio 


^^^^ 

/-"/<' 7-/ 

PREFACE 

These  simple,  homey,  Diary  Letters  have  been  written 
under  many  difficulties — on  trains,  in  depots,-  aboard  steamers, 
sloops,  sailing  vessels,  or  the  seashore,  by  roadsides,  with 
many  interruptions,  often  sent  off  without  correction.  When 
one  day  Brother  Finch  startled  me  with  the  request  that  they 
be  put  in  book  form,  I  was  reluctant  even  to  consider  it,  but 
after  much  prayer  and  reflection,  I  decided  if  God  could  use 
them  to  awaken  His  people  to  a  deeper  interest  in  His  work 
in  these  islands  and  the  neglected  continent  of  South  America, 
that  I  would  consent.  So  the  Letters  have  been  corrected, 
revised,  and  illustrated. 

I  am  greatly  indebted  to  Brother  Finch,  whose  untiring 
kindness  in  traveling  over  the  entire  field,  and  valuable  infor- 
mation, with  that  of  the  other  missionaries,  has  helped  to  make 
these  diaries  possible  and  interesting. 

If,  through  the  reading,  some  are  led  to  give  their  lives  to 
the  field,  and  others  their  means  to  carry  on  the  work,  I  shall 
feel  abundantly  repaid.  The  proceeds  of  the  sale  go  to  the 
work  in  the  West  Indies  and  South  America. 

We  are  grateful  beyond  expression  to  the  RevivalIST 
Family,  and  friends  everywhere,  whose  prayers  lifted  and 
carried  us  through  so  graciously. 

To  our  Heavenly  Father,  whose  beautiful  care,  protection, 
strength  and  guidance  enabled  us  to  carry  out  the  trip  and 
return,  be  the  glory  and  praise  forever. 


jc:^ 


Mrs.  M.  W.  Knapp. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  1. 
Leave  Taking    15 

CHAPTER  II. 
Three  Blessed  Services 23 

CHAPTER  III. 
Faith  Tested    34 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Faith   Triumphant    45 

CHAPTER  V. 
En  Route    57 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Among  "The  Islands" 69 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Among  "The  Islands,"  continued 88 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Beautiful  Barbadoes 1 00 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Victory  at  the  Outstations    120 

CHAPTER  X. 
The  Neglected  Continent  of  South  America 144 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Trinidad    1 68 


CHAPTER  XII. 
Folk  Lore 1 96 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
Nevis ; 205 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
Cocoanuts    230 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Saba,  Antigua,   Barbuda    244 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
"Home  Sweet  Home"    270 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
A  Cry  from  Over  the  Sea 299 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Page 

1  Mrs.  M.  W.   Knapp    Frontispiece 

2  The  Party  of  Twelve 55 

3  Steamer  Guiana 63 

4  Women   with   Trays 75 

5  Harbor   at  St.    Kitts    79 

6  Mission,  Antigue 85 

7  St.   Pierre  before  the  Eruption    95 

8  Royal  Palms,  Barbados 1 05 

9  Harvesting   the  Sugarcane    1 09 

1 0  New  Church  at  Barbados 113 

1 1  Church   at  GeorgetowTi    149 

1 2  New  Church  at  Unity 155 

13  "Cottage"  Church   159 

1 4  Church  at  Perth 1 63 

15.  Mrs.  Knapp,  and  an  Indian  Mother 185 

1  6  Rev.  R.  G.  Finch,  Mrs.  Knapp,  and  Indian  Mother 

and  Family 203 

1  7  Rev.  O.  L.  King  and  Nevis 207 

18  Off  for  Nevis    211 

1 9  Mission  at  Nevis 215 

20  Brown's  Hill 219 

21  Gingerland    223 

22  Native  Mode  of  Washing 227 

23  Castles    231 

24  Under  the  Cocoanuts 235 

25  Landing  at  Saba 241 


26  Leverock,  Saba    247 

27  Church  at  Saba 251 

28  Mrs.  Knapp  in  Saba's  "Carriage,"  a  Dutch  Officer 

and  Native  Women 255 

29  Girls  at  Saba  with  Mrs.  FCnapp 259 

30  Harbor  at  Saba 263 

31  Old  Road  Bay.  St.  Kitts 267 

32  A    Native    Home    275 

33  New  Church  at  Barbuda  at  Dedication 279 

34  Waiting  for  the  Light , 297 


DEDICATION 

To   Him   who   gave   His   life   a   ransom    for   many:      To 

the   millions   in   South   America    and   the   West    Indies   who 

still   sit   in    "darkness   and   the   shadow   of   death,"   who   do 

not  know  the  only   true  God   and  Jesus   Christ  whom   He 

hath  sent,   this   book   is   prayerfully   dedicated. 

The  Author 
October,  1918 


INTRODUCTION 

Wlien  Sister  Knapp's  Diary  Letters  began  appearing  in 
the  Revivalist,  we  did  not  realize  how  all-embracing  they 
would  come  to  be,  and  how  in  a  sense  they  would  form  a 
handbook  or  manual  of  the  Islands  and  m,issionary  work 
among  them  and  South  America,  but  as  they  were  published 
from  week  to  week,  we  began  to  realize  how  God  could  use 
them  in  permanent  form. 

When  we  first  spoke  of  the  matter.  Sister  Knapp  strenu- 
ously objected,  as  the  letters  had  been  written  for  the  paper 
only,  but  finally  we  persuaded  her  that  God  could  use  them 
in  book  form.  With  this  thought  in  view.  Sister  Knapp 
finally  consented,  and  now,  as  the  book  goes  out,  it  is  freighted 
by  prayer,  and  with  the  expectation  that  God  will  use  it,  not 
only  to  bless  the  West  Indies  and  the  work  in  South  America, 
but  make  it  a  Messenger  to  arouse  the  real  missionary  spirit 
in  every  saint  for  every  field. 

Then  these  Diary  Letters  give  us  information  of  the  mis- 
sionaries, their  different  fields,  and  show  how  God  plans,  goes 
before,  protects,  and  answers  prayer  today,  just  as  much  as 
He  did  for  the  children  of  Israel  long  ago. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  things  was  to  see  how  the  native 
folk  looked  at,  touched,  sang,  prayed  for  and  thanked  God 
for  Sister  Knapp.  They  called  her  the  "Sweet  Lady,"  "Smil- 
ing Lady,"  "Pleasant  Lady,"  and  some  "  the  Jolly  Lady." 
— jolly  meaning  fat. 

One  precious  little  saint  could  not  keep  her  hands  off  Sister 
Knapp. 


OiMllgdo 


They  would  do  everything  in  their  power  to  make  her 
comfortable,  and  show  their  thanks  and  appreciation  for  her 
godly  words  and  presence. 

The  men  who  carried  her  up  the  cliffs  at  Saba  did  it  as 
carefully  as  if  she  were  an  angel. 

In  church  one  night  a  woman  prayed  for  every  missionary 
by  name,  except  Sister  Knapp,  until  if  seemed  she  had  for- 
gotten her,  when  just  at  the  close  she  prayed  specially}  for 
"The  Mother."  Then  a  volume  of  prayer  burst  from  the 
whole  church,  with  Amens  from  every  corner.  (They  ha«j 
heard  Brother  Slater  speak  of  her  being  as  "a  mother"  to 
the  students  as  God's  Bible  School.) 

Sister  Knapp  traveled  on  steamers,  automobiles,  street  cars, 
buggies,  old  eastern  railroads,  steam  launches,  schooners,  sloops, 
open  sail  boats  and  row  boats;  in  peril  by  land  and  by  sea, 
in  strong  winds  and  calms,  smooth  seas  and  rough;  was  tossed 
and  pitched  by  great  waves  until  almost  paralyzed  with  fear; 
slept  on  beds  with  springs  and  with  none,  in  chairs  on  the  deck 
of  a  schooner  and  a  sloop;  was  bitten  by  flees,  bugs  and  mos- 
quitoes. It  was  not  flowery  beds  of  ease.  However,  with 
a  cheerful  spirit,  she  fully  enjoyed  all  the  pleasant,  and  pa- 
t'ently  endured  the  unpleasant.  All  this  to  bless  and  encourage 
the  missionaries,  native  workers  and  saints,  and  to  give  you 
information  concerning  this  great  GOLDEN  DOOR,  wide 
open   for   full  salvation  missionary  work. 

We  believe  this  trip  will  mean  more  for  the  spreading  of 
holiness  than  any  yet  taken.  Sister  Knapp  has  now  looked 
upon  the  field  "white  unto  harvest,"  and  returns  to  you  with 
a  burdened  heart,  determined  to  help  carry  out  our  Lord's 
commission  found  in  Matthew  9:38: 

"Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  will 
send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest." 
.      .  All  for  Jesus,       R.  C.  FiNCH. 


GOD  SPEED  THE  MISSIONARIES 
Rev.  John  F.  Knapp 

(Written  for  the  Farewell  Service  of  the 
out-{?oing^  missionaries  to  the  West  Indies, 
at    God's   Bible    School,   December    1917.) 

God  speed  His  soldiers  to  be  foremost  in  the  fight; 
Push  fearless  and  courageous  in  the  battle  for  the  right; 
Oh,  cheer  and  light  their  pathway  in  the  depths  of  heathen 
night. 

Cod  speed  His  soldiers  on! 

Cod  speed  His  r^orl^ers  as  the^  take  the  Foreign  Road, 
To  live  the  Cospel  stor};,  to  bear  the  Savior's  load; 
Oh,  break  the  Tva^  before  them  in  the  fire  and  in  the  flood; 
God  speed  His  workers  on! 

Cod  speed  His  preachers  o'er  the  far  and  resless  tide; 
The))  have  a  might};  message  of  a  Savior  crucified— 
To  bring  the  world  redemption  was  the  cause  for  which  He 
died. 

Cod  speed  His  preachers   on! 

Cod  speed  His  heralds  who  His  precious  message  bear. 
Of  love  and  full  salvation  freely  with  the  world  to  share. 
To  guide  and  guard  and  k^ep  them,  burden  all  our  hearts  in 
prater. 

God  speed  His  heralds  on! 


CHAPTER    I 

Leave   Taking 

Saturday,  December  29 

This  morning  we  have  again  left  one  of  the  most  precious 
spots  on  earth  to  us, — with  its  tender  associations — more  dear 
than   ever. 

How  consciously  real  God  dwells  there,  and  how  restful 
He  is  making  hearts  as  we  leave  all  in  His  wonderful  care. 

Between  6  and  7  A.  M.  we  went  to  Chapel  services,  added 

a  few  words  of  testimony,  and  received  the  farewell  handshakes 

and  tokens  of  the  students  and  workers.      Their   faces   and 

voices  were  full  of  tender  love  and  prayer.     We  received  so 

many  "God  bless  you's,"  and  assurances  of  prayer,  that  we 

are  truly  blessed  through  and  through.     In  fact,  we  seem  to 

be  literally  borne  on  prayer.      Everything  about  the  trip  has 

been  so  committed  that  God  seems  to  have  gone  ahead  as  an 

advance  aigent,  and  we  feel  strengthened,  encouraged,  uplifted, 

girded,    fortressed,   shielded,    surrounded,   and   the   only   way 

we  know  how  to  express  it,  as  we  told  the  students,  is,  "Shut 

in  with  God." 

"Shut  in  with  God  in.  the  secret  place, 
There   in   the   Spirit   beholding   His   face, 
Gaining   new   power   to   run    in   the   race, 
I   love   to   be   sliut   in  with   God." 

There  is  a  deep,  deep  rest  in  my  spirit,  with  nothing  to 
mar,  and  a  peace  and  quietness  that  is  indescribable!  There 
seems  to  be  one  solid  plank  of  prayer  all  the  way  through, 
and  such  safety  in  going  with  God.     He  is  truly  our  refuge. 

15 


Brother  and  Sister  Standley  and  family,  with  Lucy,  saw 
me  to  the  depot,  and  on  board  train.  Each  need  has  been 
thought  of,  and  there  is  no  lack.  We  so  clearly  recognized 
God's  leadings  that  not  a  tear  was  shed,  only  a  few  heart 
tugs.  How  beautiful  the  grace  of  God  to  match  every 
occasion!  Baby  Bessie  preferred  to  go  along,  but  even  she 
did  not  cry  when  carried  off.  And  so  we  parted  from  our 
little  darling. 

It  is  a  beautiful  day,  the  world  wrapped  in  a  mantle  of 
fresh  snow,  but  we  are  singing, 

"Whiter  than  snow,  the  beautiful  snow, 

I'll  tell  the  world  wherever  I  go. 

That  Jesus  has  washed  me  whiter  than  snow." 

The  weeks  and  days  of  preparation  and  other  work  have 
been  so  strenuous  that  we  have  felt  quite  worn,  and  the  day 
of  perfect  quiet  on  the  train  is  a  luxury.  We  have  often 
wondered  why  the  missionaries  were  always  so  rushed  to  the 
last,  but  we  understand  now,  for  in  spite  of  every  forethought 
and  plarming  to  have  at  least  two  weeks  free,  we  had  only 
a  portion  of  one  day.  We  have  a  feeling  of  sympathy  for 
the  missionaries  we  never  experienced  before. 

Our  first  farewell  was  at  the  Bible  School.  It  was  a 
gracious  all-day  service,  fruitful  in  the  deepening  of  missionary 
interest,  and  in  a  financial  way.  The  whole  day  was  packed 
full  of  blessing!     Other  reporters  will  tell  you  of  this. 

We  want  to  write  you  in  a  most  informal  way,  just  as 
if  writing  home,  anticipating  all  your  questions,  informing 
you  of  all  you  desire  to  know,  looking  at  everything  through 
your  eyes,  and  as  much  as  possible,  making  you  feel  you 
were  along. 

"What  is  the  object  of  your  trip?" 

"To  visit  each  Mission  Station,  inspect  the  work,  encourage 
the  missionaries,  and  give  those  at  home  a  clearer  insight  into 

16 


the  needs  and  privileges  of  that  branch  of  the  great  harvest 
field." 

"How  long  do  you  expect  to  remain?" 

"We  do  not  know  how  long  the  Lord  will  lead,  but  it  is  the 
desire  of  our  hearts  to  be  back  in  Cincinnati  by  April  1 ." 

Brother  Finch  is  planning  the  meetings,  and  thinks  it  can 
be  made  in  that  length  of  time.  We  feel  clear  it  is  all  the 
time  we  can  give  away  from  the  School.  Our  temporary 
absence  places  an  extra  burden  on  the  others  who  are  now 
overloaded. 

It  is  almost  worth  a  trip  to  cheer  the  missionaries.  Brother 
Slater  writes:  "Are  you  really  coming,  or  is  it  someone's 
dream?  It  is  almost  to  good  to  be  true."  Sister  Blyden  ferls 
she  could  almost  swim  to  the  steamer  to  get  us,  and  the  others 
are  equally  glad. 

WiLKINSBURG,  Pa.,  December  31 

Arrived  at  Pittsburg  Saturday  night,  three  hours  late,  but 
like  Pollvanna.  we  were  "so  glad"  it  was  not  six  hours,  and 
that  we  did  not  have  to  ride  on  the  Sabbath.  Eastern  time 
is  one  hour  ahead,  and  was  9:30,  too  late  to  make  the  de- 
sired connection  and  reach  the  evening  meeting.  It  was  bitterly 
cold,  and  we,  a  stranger  in  a  strange  city,  but  we  had  not 
an  ounce  of  care,  and  to  our  delight,  when  we  walked  into 
the  station,  there  was  Brother  Mitchell  who  had  jumped  onto 
an  in-coming  Wilkinsburg  train  to  meet  us,  and  between  1  1 
and  1 2  we  were  safe  in  a  warm  bed,  in  a  kind  home. 

The  other  missionaries  had  preceded  us  here,  having  first 
held  a  service  at  Huntington,  W.  Va.  They  report  a  most 
blessed  time  with  Brother  Woods  and  his  flock.  Pastor 
Moberly  and  his  people  planned  a  Missionary  Convention 
from  Friday  to  Sunday,  and  from  results,  are  more  than  satis- 
fied.    This  is  a  missionary  church,  supporting  eighteen  native 

17 


mission eu-ies,  and  helping  on  all  lines.  They  take  up  an 
offering  for  missions  every  quarter,  try  to  have  some  missionary 
present,  and  keep  the  fire  burning.  The  people  are  trained 
to  give,  and  it  comes  without  effort  or  begging. 

Brother  and  Sister  King,  with  Brother  Finch,  held  the 
Friday  night  service.  Brother  Schoombie  on  Saturday  night, 
and  the  people  were  blessed  and  edified.  There  was  an  all- 
day  service  on  the  Sabbath,  with  a  well-filled  house  in  the 
afternoon  and  at  night,  all  taking  part  more  or  less.  Brothers 
Finch,  Schoombie  and  King  gave  ringing,  .burning  messages 
that  stirred  the  people,  while  Sister  King  and  the  writer,  in 
our  quieter  ways,  helped  on  with  song,  etc.  We  never  met 
a  more  sympathetic,  responsive  audience.  It  was  one  great 
day,  brimful  of  interest.  The  pastor  and  people  were  jubilant 
over  the  offering.  They  place  the«;e  offerings  as  the  Lord  leads 
them,  and  expect  to  remember  the  West  Indies  generously. 
Brother  Finch  was  made  rejoicingly  happy  over  the  gift  of  a 
sidecar  motorcycle  for  South  America,  a  clarionet  and  violin, 
and  Sister  King  with  a  beautiful  guitar.  We  left  these  good 
people  this  morning,  happy  in  giving  our  best.  They  could 
not  say  enough  in  appreciation  of  these  Spirit-filled  missionaries. 

It  is  still  cold,  but  Pittsburg  does  not  feel  the  pinch  from 
cold  as  our  Western  States  do,  though  we  saw  one  church 
with  this  sign  on  it:  "Church  closed;  no  heat."  Mononga- 
hela  River  is  frozen  over  and  we  saw  barges  loaded  with  tons 
of  coal  between  its  frozen  banks. 

Our  next  stop  was  at  McKeesport,  about  eighteen  miles 
from  Pittsburg.  This,  as  well  as  Pittsburg,  is  a  city  of  hills, 
and  it  was  an  interesting  sight  to  see  the  party  climbing  one 
of  these  steep  hills  through  the  snow  and  ice,  loaded  with 
grips,  suit  cases  and  musical  instruments.  We  were  warmly 
welcomed  by  the  Neffs,  whose  tv^'o  daughters  and  one  son 
were  at  School.      How  delightful  and  restful  to  be  in  this 

18 


dear  home!  We  sleep,  rest,  and  enjoy  their  fellowship,  until 
time  for  evening  service.  It  is  to  be  a  Watch  Night  service 
which  begins  at  8  o'clock.  This  is  one  of  the  Apostolic 
churches  of  Pennsylvania,  of  which  Brother  Saneholtz  is  pas- 
tor. They  gave  us  a  royal  welcome,  and  we  each  spoke, 
cuid  the  time  was  well  taken  up  until  12.  There  was  a 
double  quartet,  two  solos  by  the  Neff  sisters,  while  the  party 
sang,  "The  Master's  Call."  This  is  also  a  missionary  church, 
supporting  two  workers.  A  good-sized  audience  remained  to 
the  close,  and  as  the  old  year  was  dying,  a  number  of  souls 
came  to  the  altar.  They  are  starting  a  revival,  with  a  burden 
for  this  city  of  45,000.  It  was  a  pleasure  to  meet  seven  or 
eight  old  students  here.  Brother  and  Sister  Green  (Helen 
Ryan),  of  the  Nazarene  Church,  are  not  far  away. 

Tired?  We  are  all  feeling  the  loss  of  sleep,  and  are  also 
realizing  the  answer  to  the  prayers  of  those  who  are  holding 
us  close  to  God,  and  we  feel  renewed  in  strength  as  these 
strenuous  days  go  by.  He  does  prove  "As  thy  days  so  shall 
thy  strength  be." 

January  1,   1918 

Happy  New  Year  to  our  big  REVIVALIST  Family!  We 
say  goodby  to  the  Old  Year.  It  has  been  good  to  us.  How 
we  have  learned  to  know  God  through  the  special  ejflra  trial 
and  discipline  it  has  brought.  •[ 

"I  see  not  a  step  before  me  » 

As  I  tread  another  year, 
But  the  past  is  still  in  God's  keeping, 

The   future   His  mercy  shall   clear; 
And  what  looks  dark  in  the  distance. 

Will  brighten  as  I  draw  near." 

The  past  has  been  beautiful  in  Him,  and  the  future  is 
glorious  as  we  look  ahead,  resting  and  trusting  alone  in  God. 

19 


January  2 

We  retired  at  1  :30  A.  M.  yesterday,  and  were  off  at  10 
o'clock  to  reach  Johnstown  on  our  next  stop.  After  a  few 
exciting  delays,  and  thankful  for  a  late  train,  we  were  off  at 
12:30,  with  no  time  for  dinner.  We  were  to  have  a  meeting 
with  Brother  McGarvey.  He  is  pastor  of  the  Giristian  Mis- 
sionary Alliance  Church,  and  is  building  up  a  good  work. 
The  Revivalist  Family  from  Connemaugh  and  other  places, 
came  to  meet  us.  Brother  McGarvey  and  wife  were  students 
at  the  Bible  School  sixteen  years  ago,  and  it  was  a  genuine 
pleasure  to  break  bread  in  their  home,  and  hold  a  service  with 
them.  This  was  a  precious  time.  How  the  faces  shone  as 
the  needs  were  presented,  and  messages  given  in  song,  etc. 
It  was  like  home  to  be  there. 

As  trains  are  delayed,  and  for  fear  of  not  making  con- 
nection at  Baltimore  for  Denton,  if  we  waited  until  morning, 
we  are  on  a  night  train,  leaving  at  12.  These  lines  are 
penned  at  2  A.  M.  with  windows  frozen  white,  a  snow  outside, 
and  the  train  crowded.      No  berths  could  be  secured. 

January^  2,  9  A.  M.    (Near'mg  Baltimore.) 

As  we  were  making  our  last  entry  last  night,  two  unoccupied 
berths  were  reported  to  us  and  we  hastened  to  secure  a  little 
sleep.  We  had  not  been  warm  all  day,  and' discovering  only 
one  blanket,  we  hastily  rang  for  the  porter  and  asked  for 
more  covering.  "Sorry,  ma'am,  all  taken."  We  did  not 
dare  undress,  so  got  in,  shoes  and  all.  It  took  us  sometime 
to  get  warm  enough  to  sleep,  but  finally  had  a  few  hours 
real  rest,  and  are  praising  God  for  this.  Owing  to  a  mis- 
understanding, we  all  had  walked  two  miles  out  of  our  way 
looking  for  the  parsonage  and  church.  As  we  were  trudging 
along  almost  single  file,  with  fingers  tingling  and  ears  feeling 
an  unpleasant  sensation,  some  boys  passed,  calling  out,  "Ho, 

20 


a  whole  orchestra  itself!"  Another  tramp,  and  we  found  our 
home.  We  are  telling  you  these  things  so  you  will  see  all 
sides,  and  not  think  we  are  getting  along  "on  flowery  beds 
of  ease."  We  were  all  day  in  reaching  our  destination  at 
Johnstown,  with  mistakes  and  delays,  but  amply  repaid  with 
the  blessing  the  people  received.  We  have  been  tested  before 
and  are  a  happy  company.  We  are  going  to  any  incon- 
venience to  make  appointments  and  not  disappoint  those  looking 
for  us. 

We  borrowed  Anna  Mae  Neff  to  go  with  us  as  far  as 
Johnstown.  She  was  a  great  blessing  in  song.  She  feels 
the  desire  to  go  with  such  an  intensity  that,  had  she  her  pass- 
port, we  might  easily  have  induced  her  to  accompany  us. 

Must  hurry  this  first  letter  off  to  Cincinnati.  It  has  been 
largely  written  on  moving  trains. 


21 


PRAYER 

The  wear^  ones  had  rest,  the  sad  had  joy 
That  day,   and  Tvondered  "How?" 

A  plowman,  singing  at  his  work,  had  prayed 
"Lord,   help   them  now!" 

Away  in  foreign  lands  they  wondered  "How?" 

Their  simple  Word  had  power? 
At  home,  the  Christians  two  or  three  had  met 

To  pray  an  hour! 

Yes,  We  are  always  wondering,  wondering  "How?' 

Because  we  do  not  see 
Someone,  unknown  perhaps,  and  jar  away 

On   bended   Ifnee! 


22 


CHAPTER  II 
Three    Blessed    Services 

Baltimore,  Januaryf  2 

We  were  scheduled  to  arrive  here  at  8  o'clock,  but  instead 
it  was  1  1 .  Inquiring  about  the  boat  and  the  time  of  leaving, 
we  found  to  our  surprise  that  the  Chesapeake  Bay  was  frozen 
over  and  no  boats  running.  We  had  not  supposed  such  a 
large  body  of  water  would  freeze,  but  so  it  was,  and  many 
were  having  a   frolicsome  time  skating  upon  it. 

The  question  was.  What  were  we  to  do?  It  looks  as  if 
we  have  extra  difficulties  to  overcome  at  every  turn.  The 
agent  said  there  was  no  way  to  get  to  Denton  that  night,  but 
we  insist  we  must  be  there.  After  much  inquiry  we  found 
we  could  go  in  a  round-about  way,  which  was  much  better 
than  not  going  at  all.  In  going  we  had  planned  on  securing 
a  room  in  a  hotel  and  getting  some  sleep,  but  arriving  at  1  1 , 
there  was  only  time  to  eat  a  light  lunch  and  at  the  same  time 
get  what  rest  we  could  in  a  crowded  depot,  write  a  letter, 
and  off  at  1  :55.  We  telegraphed  the  pastor  and  committed 
all  to  God. 

One  very  pleasant  surprise  at  Baltimore  was  the  meeting 
with  Rev.  A.  C.  Zepp,  who  was  also  waiting  for  a  train. 
His  glowing  testimony  of  freedom  from  care  and  joy  in  the 
Lx)rd  was  an  inspiration.  His  book,  which  will  shortly  come 
from  the  press,  "The  Lordship  of  Jesus,"  will  unquestionably 
be  a  blessing  and  help  in  the  establishment  of  the  holiness 
people. 

23 


Denton,  Md.,  January  3 

We  arrived  here  about  7  o'clock  last  night.  Our  train 
was  so  crowded  that  many  stood  up.  We  were  compelled 
for  sometime  to  stand  in  the  vestibule,  where  it  snowed  on  us, 
and  snow  under  our  feet,  but  finally  we  wormed  ourselves 
inside  the  train.  Sister  King  and  myself  were  standing  in 
the  aisle  trying  to  hold  our  balance  in  the  swaying  train, 
when  such  a  weariness  came  over  our  fagged  and  tired  bodies 
that  we  looked  up  8ind  said,  "Lord,  Thou  knowest  how  tired 
we  are;  if  it  pleases  Thee,  let  someone  offer  us  a  seat,"  and 
instantly  two  men  arose  and  offered  us  their  places.  "Thou 
thinkest.  Lord,  of  me."  Our  hearts  were  filled  with  gratitude, 
and  we  realized  afresh  such  a  sweet  sense  of  His  care.  We 
were  compelled  to  change  trains,  and  again  we  secured  seats, 
but  there  was  no  fire  and  we  were  chilled  through  and  through. 
The  windows  of  the  car  were  frozen  over,  and  although  cold 
and  completely  tired  out,  we  were  a  happy  company,  finding 
something  continually  to  be  thankful  for.  After  leaving  the 
train,  we  were  supposed  to  take  an  auto-bus  for  an  eight- 
mile  ride  across  country,  but  the  'bus  was  so  crowded  that 
an  extra  auto  was  put  on  the  line.  We  crowded  in  with 
grips,  violin,  guitars,  etc.,  and  before  we  could  get  much 
colder  or  suffer  greater  inconvenience,  we  arrived  in  Denton, 
The  kind  friends  there  released  us  from  the  night  service,  and 
after  refreshments  we  retired.  Our  hostess  had  a  long  block 
of  wood,  heated  well,  in  each  bed,  and  how  we  did  enjoy 
the  warmth!  Did  you  ever  hear  of  heating  a  bed  by  the 
wood  process?  Between  warm  blankets,  lying  on  a  feather- 
bed, and  our  improvised  heater,  we  surely  found  the  warmest 
place  we  had  had  in  two  days,  and  how  good  it  was !  Thank 
God,  He  has  kept  us,  and  none  of  us  are  sick. 

24 


January  4 

It  is  a  bright,  beautiful,  sunshiny  winter's  day.  A  fresh 
fall  of  snow.  After  our  night's  rest,  we  feel  like  new  people, 
and  are  ready  for  the  day.  They  laughingly  tell  us  it  is 
warmer,  but  the  thermometer  still  registers  below  zero.  How- 
ever, we  have  not  a  care,  as  the  longest  end  of  our  journey 
in  the  cold  weather  is  over.  This  is  the  Mid-winter  Con- 
vention of  Maryland  and  the  Eastern  District  of  the 
Apostolic  Holiness  Church.  The  brethren  kindly  gave 
the  Missionary  party  both  the  morning  and  afternoon 
services.  Brother  Olsen,  one  of  our  old  B"ble  School 
boys,  is  the  District  Superintendent,  while  the  pastor  in  whose 
church  the  convention  is  held.  Brother  Helsby,  and  his  wife, 
and  some  eight  or  nine  others,  have  been  students  at  the  School, 
too,  so  we  feel  especially  at  home.  How  graciously  they 
welcomed  us,  and  how  we  enjoy  being  here!  Brothers 
Schoombie  and  Finch  had  the  morning  service.  Brother  Finch 
giving  a  synopsis  of  the  work  in  the  West  Indies  and  South 
America.  He  especially  mentioned  the  Mission  Stations  and 
the  places  visited  where  we  hope,  in  the  future,  to  be  able 
to  open  stations.  These  talks  are  always  very  interesting, 
and  we  hope  in  our  letters,  as  we  visit  from  one  point  to 
another,  to  give  you  a  glimpse — and  as  broad  a  glimpse  as 
possible,  of  each  place  as  we  see  it  in  reality.  Brother  Finch 
told  the  friends  here  of  the  need  of  a  mimeograph,  tires  for 
the  Ford,  and  a  pony,  and  they  gave  the  money  for  the  first 
two,  giving  us  in  cash  nearly  $200.  Praise  God!  Although 
the  audiences  were  splendid,  they  were  not  what  would  have 
been  had  the  weather  moderated  some.  For  miles  around 
the  people  had  planned  to  be  present,  coming  in  their  autos, 
etc.,  but  the  auto  radiators  were  frozen,  the  roads  almost 
impassable,  and  thus  many  were  hindered.  How  sorry  we 
were  to  have  them  miss  the  day  of  good  things! 

25 


p.  M. — Early  in  the  afternoon  Brothers  Schoombie  and 
Finch  left  us.  Brother  Finch  to  return  to  Cincinnati  for  his 
family,  as  it  is  too  much  for  Sister  Finch  to  travel  alone  to 
New  York  with  the  five  children.  Brother  Schoombie  was 
to  see  the  British  Ambassador  at  Washington,  as  he  has  not 
yet  been  given  permission  to  leave  America.  (Brother  Schoom- 
bie is  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  British  Ambassador,  as 
he  has  never  taken  out  naturalization  papers  in  America,  and 
it  looks  as  if  he  will  not  be  allowed  to  leave  this  country, 
unless  he  goes  directly  to  Africa.)  Although  these  brethren 
were  gone,  yet  there  was  no  lagging  in  the  interest  of  the 
afternoon  meeting.  Brother  King  poured  out  his  soul,  and 
God  did  bless.  He  is  anointed  of  the  Lord,  and  the  people 
hear  him  gladly.  The  writer  sang  the  farewell  song,  adding 
a  few  words  which  were  kindly  received.  Sister  King,  who 
is  an  able  stenographer  and  bookkeeper,  calls  herself  the 
"gap  filler."  She  has  a  blessed  testimony  of  the  Lord's  lead- 
ings, but  in  this  service  let  the  others  take  the  time.  As  I 
said  before,  the  morning  and  afternoon  were  given  to  the 
missionary  party,  but  I  do  not  want  to  forget  the  night  meeting. 
The  service  opened  with  a  precious  testimony  meeting,  and 
then  we  three  seing,  "The  New  Jerusalem."  Before  we 
closed  the  people  were  so  blessed  they  could  not  contain  them- 
selves, and  there  was  such  rejoicing  that  we  were  unable  to 
hear  each  other  sing.  Let  us  give  you  one  verse  and  get 
blessed  yourself: 

"I  hear  the  golden  harps  of  God,  the  land  appears  in  view, 
The  land  from  which  I  never  more  shall   roam; 

I  see  the  King  of  Glory,  whose  grace  has  brought  me  through, 
Hallelujah!  almost  home." 

It  was  truly  refreshing  to  see  those  tried  saints  get  their  cup 
of  joy  to  overflowing.  You  have  watched  little  children  in 
perfect  glee  over  some  good  thing  coming  to  them.     Well, 

26 


those  big  children  had  a  glimpse  of  that  City  just  ahead, 
and  they  gave  way  to  hilarious  joy  over  the  prospect.  Surely 
the  "joy  of  the  Lord"  is  the  strength  of  His  people. 

''Oh,  the  children  of  the  Lord  have  a  right  to  shout  and  sing, 
For  the  way  is  growing  bright,  and  our  souls  are  on  the  wing, 
We  are  going  by  and  by,  to  the  palace  of  the  King. 
Glory  to  God!     Hallelujah!" 

Brother  King  gave  the  story  of  his  conversion  and  entire 
sanctification.  We  feel  sure  the  friends  here  sanction  and 
amen  the  Foreign  Missionary  Board  in  sending  out  th:s 
young  couple.  We  closed  this  glad  day,  feeling  that  it  was 
good  to  be  here. 

Wilmington,  Del.,  January  5 

On  our  way  here  we  had  a  warm  train  with  plenty  of 
room.  When  the  conductor  came  for  our  tickets,  we  asked 
what  time  we  would  reach  Wilmington,  but  were  told,  "Do 
not  know;  every  train  today  is  from  twenty  minutes  to  four 
hours  late."  The  trouble  would  be  when  we  changed  cars, 
but  to  our  delight,  when  we  got  off  of  the  first  train  our 
other  train  was  there  waiting,  and  this  called  for  an  extra 
note  of  praise  from  us  all.  We  had  committed  our  time  of 
arrival  to  Him,  so  we  had  a  little  love  feast.  We  arrived  in 
Wilmington  in  time  for  a  hot  supper  at  Brother  and  Sister 
Dougherty's,  where  we  found  Brother  Schoombie,  having 
returned  from  Washington.  He  reported  that  he  would  not 
be  allowed  to  go  with  us,  and  also  understood  that  our  per- 
mission to  leave  the  country  would  not  be  granted  until  the 
British  Ambassador  heard  from  the  Governor  of  the  Islemds, 
permitting  us  to  land  there.  How  did  we  feel  in  the  face  of 
these  apparently  insurmountable  difficulties?  Not  a  care! 
Our  faith  is  in  God  who  controls  the  universe.  Of  course 
you  wonder  why  this  permission  was  not  attended  to  before 

27 


we  left  Cincinnati,  but  before  we  knew  that  this  was  a  neces- 
sity, our  passage  on  the  steamer  had  been  engaged,  and  the 
appointments  for  meetings  made.  We  could  only  apply  for 
American  passports  three  weeks  before  the  date  of  sailing, 
and  this  permission  from  the  British  Ambassador  had  to  be 
obtained  after  that,  and  although  we  hurried  it  through  as 
fast  as  possible,  we  did  not  receive  same.  But  the  Lord 
had  so  clearly  and  definitely  led  in  every  detail  that  we  felt 
we  were  to  go  ahead  with  all  the  pre-arranged  meetings,  and 
so  started,  and  have  been  blessed  every  step  of  the  way. 
After  hearing  Brother  Schoombie's  report,  we  wared  Brother 
Finch,  urging  him  to  secure  said  permission  as  quickly  as 
possible,  and  then  went  right  ahead  with  the  meetings,  trusting 
God  for  the  outcome.  Our  meeting  here  is  in  the  Sunday 
Breakfast  Mission.  This  Mission  is  open  the  year  around, 
and  doing  a  splendid  work  for  God.  They  gave  us  a  gen- 
erous offering.  Sister  Dougherty  is  one  of  our  first  teachers 
in  the  Bible  School,  but  now  has  a  home  of  her  own,  and 
three  lovely  children.  It  is  always  a  rest  to  us  to  visit  Brother 
and  Sister  Dougherty.  Brother  Schoombie  left  us  at  9:30 
for  Northville,  N.  Y.  The  intense  cold  has  tied  up,  to  a 
great  extent,  the  traffic  and  train  service,  and  the  suffering 
is  intense.  Wilmington  is  the  center  of  ammunition  plants 
and  shipbuilding,  .one  plant  alone  employing  15,000  men. 
People  far  removed  can  scarcely  realize  the  magnitude  of 
the  war  as  those  living  in  these  Eastern  States  can.  It  has 
never  come  home  to  me  so  closely  as  now.  God  grant  it  shall 
soon  be  over. 

Philadelphia,  January^  7 

Here  we  are  back  from  Glassboro,  N.  J.  On  leaving  Wil- 
mington, to  reach  Glassboro,  we  took  two  trains,  a  subway, 
a  ferry  crossing  the  beautiful  Delaware,  and  then  an  electric 

28 


car.  The  river  was  gorged  with  ice,  and  we  could  hear  the 
ferryboat  crunching  and  plowing  through.  Iceboats  have  cut 
a  passage,  or  the  ferry  would  not  be  able  to  cross  the  river  at 
all.  While  en  route,  we  saw  perhaps  a  dozen  children,  boys 
and  girls,  each  with  a  sack,  picking  up  lumps  of  coal  along 
the  track.  They  even  crawled  under  standing  trains  to  get 
a  stray  lump.  Our  train  coming  here  was  packed,  and  we 
had  no  seats.  We  prayed,  and  again  the  Lord  answered. 
One  of  our  soldier  boys  arose  and  offered  us  his  place.  The 
friends  at  Glassboro  had  planned  three  services,  holding  the 
regular  meeting  missionary  services  in  the  afternoon.  Here 
as  elsewhere,  we  found  old  students,  and  were  most  kindly 
entertained  in  the  home  of  Sister  Anna  Hunter.  Some  of 
the  friends  came  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles  in  their  autos  to 
the  meeting,  and  the  Lord  blessed  as  we  sang  and  gave  His 
messages.  At  Glassboro  we  found  our  letters  from  home, 
and  how  good  it  was  to  hear  from  that  loved  place.  "Home- 
sick?" Not  a  bit,  as  we  have  learned  in  "whatsoever  state 
we  are,  therewith  to  be  content,"  but  we  should  have  been 
more  than  delighted  to  have  called  up  Cincinnati  and  talked 
as  long  as  we  felt  like  it;  but  our  faith  and  rest  in  God  was 
intensified,  and  the  satisfaction  deepened  that  we  were  in 
His  will,  and  this  held  us  steady  and  unmoved.  In  getting 
into  the  depot  at  Philadelphia,  we  stepped  on  to  some  moving 
stairs,  and  were  borne  clear  to  the  top  without  any  effort 
whatever  on  our  part^  all  we  had  to  do  was  to  stay  on  the 
stairs.  How  like  the  promises!  When  we  trust  in  Him  we 
are  lifted  up  to  unthought-of  heights.  While  here  we  tried 
to  call  up  Brother  William  Shelor  and  give  him  greeting; 
also.  Brother  and  Sister  Bona  Fleming,  who  are  assisting 
Brother  Shelor  in  a  meeting,  but  as  they  had  no  telephone 
we  contented  ourselves  with  a  postal. 

29 


New  York,  January  7 

The  Home  where  we  have  always  stayed  while  in  New 
York  was  crowded,  so  we  took  rooms  in  another  Home  nearer 
the  denot  and  pier.  We  called  un  the  s^eamsh'n  office  and 
learned  that  our  steamer  would  sail  on  Wednesday.  It  has 
rained,  sleeted,  and  ice  is  everywhere,  so  that  it  is  very  hard 
to  get  around.  There  is  very  little  heat  in  our  rooms,  and 
we  are  cold  most  of  the  time.  There  is  much  suffering  in 
New  York.  One  little  baby  froze  to  death  in  its  crib,  while 
a  chauffeur  was  frozen  sitting  in  the  car  waiting  for  sdme  one. 
On  our  arrival  in  New  York  we  expected  to  have  a  telegram 
from  Brother  Finch  as  to  their  arrival,  but  found  nothing. 
"Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled."  When  He  giveth  qu'etnes<«, 
who  then  can  make  trouble?  Brother  Schoombie  arrived 
from  Northville,  reporting  a  blessed  time  in  the  missionary 
meetings  there.  -  He  had  gone  300  miles  north  of  New  York, 
and  told  of  snow  and  ice  everywhere.  Although  our  hearts 
are  grieved  over  the  reports  of  suffering  and  death,  yet  we 
do  praise  God  that  He  is  keeping  us  well  under  all  conditions. 
The  coal  situation  has  been  zdleviated  some,  although  when 
writing  this  letter,  fifty- four  schools  are  still  unopened.  So 
many  of  the  gas  pipes  bursted  that  many  of  the  people  have 
had  to  go  back  to  our  great  grandparents'  method  of  lighting 
— candles.  New  York  is  a  great  cosmopolitan  city,  and  is 
now  claiming  a  population  of  five  million.  The  foreign  ele- 
ment is  tremendous — Russians,  Poles,  Qreeks,  Italians,  Scan- 
dinavians, Germans,  Austrians,  Persians, — in  fact,  people  of 
every  clime.  We  were  on  a  streetcar  yesterday,  the  con- 
ductor of  which  was  a  foreign  womaa; .  the  restaurant  whe'e 
we  ate  our  supper  was  manned  by  a  Greek,  and  at  one 
time  during  our  stay  here  we  met  so  many  foreigners  that  we 
actually  became  lonesome  for  an  American,  and  found  our- 
selves peering  into  the  faces  of  the  passers-by  to  find  one. 

30 


New  York,  January  8 

The  Paiima,  the  ship  on  which  we  were  booked  to  sail, 
has  beea  delayed  a  day,  and  possibly  longer.  We  consider 
this  providential,  as  we  have  not  our  permits  yet  to  land  in 
the  Islands.  We  went  to  meet  two  of  the  trains  from  Cin- 
cinnati, but  the  Finch  family  were  not  on  either,  and  no 
word  from  them.  Brother  and  Sister  King  spent  the  day 
chopping,  getting  the  mimeograph,  supplies,  etc. 

January  9 

Awakening  at  4:30,  before  anyone  in  the  place  was  astir, 
wft  looked  definitely  to  the  Lord,  and  He  encouraged  our 
h(;irts,  ga\e  us  so  blessedly  the  following: 

"When  Israel  out  of  bondage  came, 

The  sea  before  tliem  lay. 
•    Tlio  Lord  reached  down  His  mighty  hand, 

And    rolled    the   sea   away. 
"Then   forward  still,    'tis   Jehovah's  will, 

As  the  billows   dash   and  spray, 
With  a  conqueror's  tread  we  will  push  ahead, 

He'll  roll  the  sea  away." 

This  was  Amanda  Smith's  bsttlecry,  and  it  has  a  new  glory 
in  it  for  us  today.  Brother  and  Sister  Finch  and  family, 
with  Siiiter  King's  mother,  Mrs.  DeCamp,  arrived  th's  morn- 
ing. 1  hey  had  stopped  at  Washington  to  have  a  personal 
interview  with  the  British  Ambassador.  The  promise  was, 
we  might  go  on  if  a  cablegram  was  received  from  the  Gov- 
ernor of  the  Islands  giving  his  consent  for  our  entrance;  so  we 
are  patiently  waiting.  Brother  and  Sister  Finch  were  tempted 
to  feel  that  it  was  presumption  to  come  on  without  this  per- 
mission, but  God  lifted  the  pressure,  and  they  had  the  assur- 
ance they  would  go  through,  but  we  may  not  be  able  to  go 
on  this  vessel.  If  we  miss  our  steamer,  the  Parima,  we  can 
get  away  in  ten  days  on   another  ship,   as  the  permits  will 

31 


surely  be  here  by  that  time.  We  all  met  in  a  precious  prayer- 
meeting  and  spread  the  whoh;  matter  out  before  God,  and 
then  definitely  committed  it  to  Him.  We  are  now  so  com- 
mitted that  we  haven't  a  care.  If  it  is  His  will  for  us  to 
go  on  the  Parima,  we  shall  sail  by  that  steamer;  if  not,  we 
are  glad  to  have  His  vsnll.  We  have  no  will  of  our  own  in 
the  matter — are  simply  trusting  Him.  In  that  prayer-meeting 
He  gave  us,  "Wait  thou  only  upon  God:  for  my  expectation 
is  from  him.  Stand  still  and  see  the  salvation  of  God,"  so 
we  are  a  quiet,  waiting  company,  full  of  praise  for  His  clear 
and  blessed  leadings  thus  far.  If  we  should  record  all  the 
experiences  we  have  passed  through  in  the  last  few  days,  they 
would  make  a  book. 

The  Parima  has  been  delayed  another  day.  The  brethren 
went  to  consult  the  British  Consul  here,  but  he  insists  that 
we  must  have  the  permits  before  leaving.  It  is  evident  that 
our  Heavenly  Father  is  not  pleased  to  have  us  sail  on  the 
Parima.  For  various  reasons,  we  desired  greatly  to  be  off, 
but  He  knows.     How  finite  our  vision! 

January  1 1 

Our  word  from  the  Lord  is,  "Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am 
God."  "Stand  still,"  "be  still," — right  in  the  face  of  delay, 
delay  beyond  our  control.  What  a  lesson  to  learn?  Can 
He  mark  100  after  tlie  lesson?  We  are  sure  He  has,  and 
it  is  a  joy  to  know  that  the  lesson  ic>  learned,  and  that  we 
are  absolutely  keeping  still.  Not  a  question  to  ask,  not  a 
complaint  to  make,  not  a  murmur  in  our  hearts.  Interro- 
gations are  all  silent.     We  are  steady,  holding  still. 

The  Parima  sailed  today  without  us.  Would  you  like 
to  have  a  peep  at  our  party  when  it  was  a  settled  fact  that 
we  were  not  to  sail  on  her?    On  memory's  walls  we  v.'ill  carry 

32 


a  mental  picture  of  each  face.  Here  is  a  glimpse.  Brother 
King  went  aboard  into  the  dining  room  where  a  table  was 
set  for  twelve  (just  our  number),  gathered  up  the  mail  at 
the  plates,  quietly  walked  back  across  the  gangway  to  shore, 
saying,  "I  have  to  go."  Aren't  you  sorry  for  him?  We 
are  a  quiet,  subdued  company,  but  with  perfect  confidence 
in  God  that  He  has  us  in  His  great  fatherly  care,  so  we  are 
waiting,  expecting  the  permissions,  and  planning  to  sail  the  23d. 

"In   our   Father's   blessed   keeping 

We  are  happy,  safe  and  free, 
While   His   eye  is   on   the   sparrow. 

We  shall  not  forgotten  be." 


33 


CHAPTER  III 
Faith  in  Testing 

New  York,  January  12 

Just  mailed  the  second  Diary  Letter.  This  morning  the 
steamer  Koruna  arrived  from  the  West  Indies  and  will  leave 
again  for  that  port  within  ten  days.  Will  we  sail  on  her? 
"My  times  are  in  Thy  hands."  None  of  us  could  get  a 
clear  assurance  that  we  were  to  leave  on  the  Panma,  nor  do 
we  now  know  the  Lord's  mind  as  to  the  Koruna.  While 
Brother  Finch  was  in  Washington,  having  the  interview  with 
the  British  Ambassador,  we  sensed  something  in  the  distance, 
and  felt  he  was  passing  through  something  unusual,  even 
though  we  knew  nothing  of  his  whereabouts. 

Up  to  that  time  our  spirits  had  been  light  and  free  regard- 
ing the  sailing  January  9,  but  at  that  hour  there  came  a  heavy 
feeling,  something  like  a  sled  dragging  over  dry  ground. 

This  burden  and  pressure  did  not  lift,  and  we  knew  there 
was  a  hitch  and  delay  coming.  When  Brother  Finch  arrived 
in  New  York  we  understood  it  all.  Such  times  as  these  our 
faith  grows,  for  there  is  absolutely  nothing  in  sight.  We 
must  just  simply  trust  and  wait.  "I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a 
way  that  they  know  not,  I  will  lead  them  in  paths 
that  they  have  not  known;  I  will  make  darkness  light  before 
them,  and  crooked  places  straight.  These  things  will  I  do 
unto  them,  and  not  forsake  them."     Hallelujah!  "O  the  depth 

34 


of  the  riches,  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God. 
How  unsearchable  are  His  judgments,  and  His  ways  past 
finding  out."  We  are  trusting,  waiting,  and  encouraged 
in  Him.  For  a  few  hours  we  were  much  perplexed.  The 
question  was,  if  tliere  should  be  a  long  delay,  were  we  to 
return  to  Cincinnati  and  not  make  the  trip  at  this  time? — 
for  it  seemed  we  could  only  give  the  months  planned  to  this 
trip,  and  we  did  want  to  be  off  quickly.  We  were  given, 
"Thine  ears  shall  hear  a  word  behind  thee,  saying.  This  is 
the  way,  walk  ye  in  it."  After  prayer  we  felt  His  "way" 
was  to  go  on  with  the  party.  What  a  comfort  to  know  that 
the  Lord  will  guide  in  just  the  right  way  and  at  the  right 
time !  Even  though  we  may  not  be  able  to  return  April  1 , 
or  until  May  1 ,  or  possibly  in  time  for  the  Camp,  yet  we 
are  satisfied  He  will  clearly  lead. 

"To  the  over  guiding  will 

My  own  I  gladly  yield, 
And  while  my  little  craft  outstands, 

I  sail  w^ith  orders  sealed; 
Sometime,  I  know  not  when  nor  how, 

All   things  will  be  revealed, 
And  until  then  content  am  I 

To  sail  with  orders  sealed." 

How  are  we  spending  the  time  in  New  York?  Writing 
letters,  attending  to  little  matters  of  business,  and  then,  too. 
New  York  has  many  points  of  interest. 

New  York,  January  14 

On  Saturady  evning  we  attended  a  Mission  service  not  a 
square  away.  After  a  blessed  message  on  "Waiting  on  God," 
there  were  some  bright  testimonies  and  music.  Brother  Finch 
was  much  blessed  in  giving  a  ringing  testimony,  which  edified 
the  people,  and  at  the  close  they  gathered  around  him.  *  On 

35 


Sabbath  morning  eight  of  us  went  to  hear  Dr.  Simpson.  The 
temperature  had  dropped  below  zero,  but  it  was  a  bright, 
clear  winter's  morning,  and  ahhough  we  walked  a  mile,  yet 
we  enjoyed  every  step  of  it.  The  sermon  was  on  the  prophecy 
concerning  the  restoration  of  Jerusalem  (Luke  21).  It  was 
a  most  powerful  address,  and  it  was  a  treat  to  hear  Dr.  Simp- 
son. We  are  much  encouraged  in  God  today.  He  is  S3  real 
to  our  hearts. 

New  York,  Monday  evening,  January   14 

Have  been  here  one  week.  When  we  knew  we  were  not 
to  sail  at  the  time  expected,  the  thought  of  expense  for  board, 
etc.,  in  New  York,  was  a  burden,  but  God  took  care  of  the 
week.  A  wealthy  Christian  woman  who  heard  the  mis- 
sionaries speak,  paid  '  all  the  bills.  Hallelujah !  We  were 
filled  with  gratitude  for  this  touch  of  His  care.  Surely,  He 
daily  "loadeth  us  with  benefits."  Up  to  this  time  we  have 
all  been  together,  but  today  we  had  to  separate.  Brother 
Schoombie  left  on  Saturday  to  engage  in  work  until  we  are 
ready  to  go.  The  rooms  Brother  Finch's  family  occupied 
were  engaged  before  our  coming,  so  he  secured  rooms  in 
Brooklyn,  and  left  us  this  morning  before  dinner.  The  pres- 
ence of  the  children  had  been  such  a  source  of  joy,  and  helped 
to  make  up  to  us  for  the  absence  of  the  eight  down  at  the 
Bible  School.  We  felt  we  would  miss  them  sorely,  but  the 
Lord  has  cared  for  that,  and  there  is  no  vacancy.  "Thou 
remainest."  The  Kings  have  moved  to  the  fifth  floor  of  the 
same  building,  and  we,  out  of  a  large  front  room  to  a  tiny 
one  on  the  first  floor,  a  room  so  dark  that  we  must  dress  by 
gaslight  There  is  only  a  pipe  to  keep  the  room  warm,  too; 
but  again  we  are  reminded  of  the  admonition,  "Be  content 
with  such  things  as  ye  have,  for  He  hath  said,  I  will  never 
leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee." 

36 


Brother  Finch  wrote  the  British  Ambassador  today  to  find 
if  a  reply  has  come  to  our  appHcations  sent  by  mail  to  the 
West  Indies,  some  time  ago. 

A  "great  new  difficulty  has  arisen  that  .threatened  to  give 
us  much  care,  but  at  once  came  the  promise,  "Let  not  your 
hearts  be  troubled,"  and  this  burden  was  instantly  committed 
to  Him.     We  may  tell  you  of  it  later. 

New  \'ork,  January  1  5 

We  took  lunch  and  spent  the  afternoon  with  one  of  the 
subscribers  in  New  Jersey.  This  friend  has  taken  the  RE- 
VIVALIST thirteen  years,  and  wanted  to  meet  us  personally. 
^»Vliat  a  joy  to  meet  those  here  and  there  who  are  part  of 
the  gr<;at  Family!  We  went  to  New  Jersey  through  the 
Hudson  Tubes,  descending  three  long  flights  of  stairs  below 
ground,  then  entered  the  electric  train,  and  then  through  the 
Tu'be — a  pitch  black  tunnel  one  mile  below  the  Hudson  River, 
we  are  told.  It  takes  six  minutes  under  the  river,  and  the 
Tubes  lire  seven  miles  long.  The  Hudson  has  not  been  so 
hifgh  in  twenty-five  years.  Trucks  and  heavily  loaded  wagons 
are  not  allowed  on  the  ferries  until  the  tide  lowers  it.  Sixteen 
years  ago  today  Sisters  Finney  and  Rodway  (nee  Ferle) 
sailed  lor  Africa,  and  Brother  Moulton  for  the  West  Indies. 
We  wete  privileged  to  be  here  then,  and  to  wave  them  off. 

New  York,  January  16 

In  company  with  Sister  Lyle,  one  of  the  old  Bible  School 
students,  we  spent  a  few  hours  at  Nyack,  the  Christian  Mis- 
sionary Alliance  School.  It  is  most  beautifully  situated  on 
the  hills  overlooking  the  Hudson.  Brother  Finch  had  pre- 
ceded us  on  the  early  train.  We  were  mcst  graciously 
welcomed,  and  shown  every  courtesy  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turn- 
bull,   the   superintendents,   taken   through   the  buildings,   class 

37 


rooms,  chapel,  dining  rooms,  and  met  some  of  the  students  and 
teachers.  Having  known  Mrs.  Turnbull  in  her  girlhood,  it  was 
a  special  pleasure  to  meet  her  again.  One  of  our  pleasant  mem- 
ories will  be  the  visit  to  Nyack.  Crossing  the  ferry  at  9:30,  the 
river  gorged  with,  ice,  ft^e  boat  fairly  rocked  as  the  ice  floated 
against  it. 

New  York,  January  1  7 

For  two  days  there  seemfj  to  have  been  a  battle  in  the 
heavenlies  over  us  and  our  going  on.  How  real  it  was,  and 
how  keenly  we  felt  it.  Tfie  enemy  tried  to  put  us  to  con- 
fusion, but  let  it  be  known  that  God  was  on  hand.  Unknown 
to  us  personally.  Brother  Finch  was  gong  through  the  very 
same  test.  No  neod  to  tell  us  there  is  not  a  devil — there  is, 
and  a  mighty  one,  but  he  is  a  conquered  foe.  Hallelujah! 
The  Spirit  wond<.'rfully  and  blessedly  helped  us.  "For  in 
quietness  and  confidence  shall  be  your  strength."  "Their 
strength  is  to  sit  still,"  -md  we  obeyed.  After  this  battle 
with  the  enemy  came  a  telegram  from  Cincinnati,  "The 
Ambassador  will  cable  the  West  Indies  for  permits."  We 
kneiv  something  had  happened.  We  look  for  a  definite  answer 
very  soon.  Sister  King  and  I  attended  a  Parlor  meeting  in  a 
heme  on  Madiscn  Squa'-e,  near  Fifth  Avenue.  Th.s  was  in  a 
busy  and  interenting  part  of  the  city.  There  is  perfect  soul 
rest  after  the  terrible  storm  that  fairly  lashed  our  souls.  No 
vessel  at  sea  was  ever  more  powerfully  moved  than  we  with 
the  powers  of  darkness  that  threatened  to  engulf  us,  but  we 
found  that, 

' '  We  have  an  anchor  that  keeps  the  soul, 
Steadfast   and  sure,   while  the  billows   roll, 
Fastened  to  the  Keck  that  cannot  move,  -    , 

Grounded  firm  and  deep  in  the  Savior's  love." 

38 


We  are  like  a  little  dove,  hiding  safe  and  sure  from  the 
storm.  We  feel  the  decision  has  been  made,  and  that  we 
are  to  go  on.  Brother  Finch  came  over  with  his  reply  from 
the  Ambassador,  stating  that  he  had  cabled  for  the  permits 
for  all  the  party.  This  was  encouraging.  Previously_  he  had 
not  consented  to  let  all  the  party  go.  Letters  from  home 
greatly  cheered  us.  They  sent  a  special  delivery  to  make 
us  feel  the  delay  was  of  God.  The  Steamer  Company  re- 
fused to  hold  places  on  the  Koruna  longer  than  1 0  o'clock, 
and  as  the  answer  had  not  arrived  by  that  time,  we  had  to 
give  up  our  places.  But  there  is  no  burden  about  it.  God's 
purpose  will  be  worked  out.  "In  your  patience  possess  ye 
your  souls." 

New  York,  January  1 9 

A  beautiful  snow  has  fallen  and  the  earth  is  white  again. 
Brother  Finch  has  had  to  give  up  his  rooms  in  Brooklyn,  but 
has  secured  a  little  home  in  Nyack,  almost  given  him,  for  this 
month.  It  is  out  in  the  country.  The  children  were  beginning 
to  feel  the  close  confinement,  and  the  Lord  opened  the  way 
for  this  home  about  an  hour's  ride  ou,t.  We  had  lunch 
today  with  Sister  Lyle,  then  we  together  called  on  another 
former  student.  Mamie  Reisiger,  who  lives  in  the  same  neigh- 
borhood. This  was  our  first  introduction  to  a  New  York 
apartment  house,  nine  stories  high.  The  four-room  apartments 
are  perfect  in  arrangements.  The  rents  alone  would  keep 
a  small  family.  The  man  owning  the  two  buildings  made 
two  millions  of  dollars  in   five  years,  we  are  told. 

r,    ■  ) 

New  York,  January  21 

Another  cold  wave.  Enough  hee.t  is  really  a  luxury; 
even  people  with  plenty  of  means  cannot  buy  coal,  while  380 
vessels   are  waiting  on   coal,   cannot  leave  until   they  get   it. 

39 


This  is  "Garfield  Day," — a  holiday,  the  first  Monday  that 
the  stores,   shops  and   factories  have  closed.      A  short  walk 
brought  us  to  the  Methodist  Book  Concern,  where  we  learned 
of  the  residence  of  Mrs.  James  Taylor,  then  called  her  up 
by  telephone,  and  made  an  appointment  to  see  her.     While 
talking,   she   told   us  of   Brother   Joseph  Smith   and   Brother 
and  Sister  Walter  Malone  holding  a  Convention  at  Brooklyn, 
in  Brother  Norberry's  church.     We  attended  both  the  morning 
and   afternoon   services,   and  were  most  cordially   welcomed. 
Brother  Smith  gave  a  blessed  message  on  receiving  the  Moly 
Spirit.      How  good  it  was  to  know  that  He  possessed  us ! 
That  morning  we  met  a  man  who  stopped  and  asked  us  the 
way  to  the  church.     In  talking  he  told  us  he  was  noMf  a  prison 
evangelist,  but  had  graduated  from  "Sing  Sing,"  the  New  York 
penitentiary,  and  gave  us  his  experience  of  how  God  had  so 
wonderfully  redeemed  him  from  an  awful  life  of  sin.     Asking 
our  names,  he  inquired  if  we  knew  of  a  Knapp  who  was  the 
author   of   "Christ  Crowned   Within."      How   real   was   his 
pleasure  on  finding  out  who  we  were.      Mrs.  Jennie  Fowler 
Willing   had   given   him   the  book   after  his   conversion,   and 
God  had  made  it  a  great  blessing.     Brother  Malone,  in  the 
afternoon  service,  gave  a  most  instructive  talk  on,  the  "Signs 
of      the      Times,"     illustrating     the   sermon     with     a     chart 
on  the  Second  Coming.      How  many  signs  of   His  Coming 
we  have!      The  dawning  of  that  morning  is  just  upon  us. 
Brother  Finch  gave  two  messages  in  the  chapel  of  the  School 
at  Nyack,  and  was  greatly  blessed  and  used  of  God.      He 
says  he  never  enjoyed  greater  freedom,  and  the  Lord  blessed 
the  people,  too.      In  one  of  the  services  there  were  eleven  or 
more  at  the  altar  as  seekers,  and  most  of  these  really  prayed 
through. 

40 


January  23 

Our  heavy  sweater  arrived  from  Cincinnati  today.  It 
received   an   enthusiastic   welcome.      Cold?      Aren't   you? 

"There  hath  no  temptation  taken  you  but  such  as  is  common 
to  man:  but  God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be 
tempted  above  that  ye  are  able;  but  will  with  the  temptation 
also  make  a  way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it." 
It  is  quite  a  common  occurrence  with  us  now  to  be  cold. 
For  two  days  we  had  been  so  chilled  we  questioned  as  to 
ho\k^  we  were  to  spend  two  weeks  more  in  New  York  in  that 
temperature,  and  a  real  longing  came  for  a  change  of  rooms. 
Note  the  Father's  tender  care.  Our  rooms  had  also  been 
engaged  before  our  coming,  so  that  when  the  guests  for  whom 
they  were  reserved  arrived,  we  were  notihed  to  move,  and 
quicklv  found  a  large,  light  room,  with  gas  heater,  hot  and 
cold  water,  euid  every  convenience,  and  very  little  difference 
in  price.  We  cannot  describe  how  grateful  we  are  to  God. 
What  a  luxury  to  be  thoroughly  warm!  We  have  an  added 
sympathy  and  tenderness  for  the  poor.  We  can  understand 
something  of  their  sufferings  during  this  bitter  cold  weather. 

We  have  perfect  rest  over  our  waiting,  feeling  that  the 
permits  will  come  in  God's  own  time.  Baby  Daniel  Finch 
is  quite  ill,  but  we  are  trusting  God  for  him.  A  heavy  snow 
storm  is  on,  and  an  army  of  men  and  women  are  out  piling 
the  snow  in  great  heaps,  and  drawing  it  away  in  wagons. 
With  Sister  King  we  went  and  sang  "The  New  Jerusalein" 
and  other  songs  to  one  of  the  sweetest  old  ladies  we  have 
ever  met,  a  real  saintly  soul  over  seventy  years  of  age.  After 
hearing  her  testimony,  we  felt  girded  and  strengthened.  Surely 
no  infidel  could  stand  before  God's  keeping  power  as  demon- 
strated in  her  heart  and  life.  She  is  living  on  the  Border 
Land,  joyous  and  triumphant.  We  visited  another  home, 
so  desolate,  because  of  His  absence,  and  we  ask  you  to  pray 

4) 


for  this  home.  Do  not  forget  them,  for  God  will  hear  and 
zmswer.  Have  received  some  tender  remembrances,  for  which 
we  praise  God.  Surely,  "He  giveth  us  richly  all  things  to 
enjoy,"  and  H!s  loving  kindness,  oh,  hew  great! 


42 


HOLDING  THE  ROPE 

Down  beneath  the  mighty  ocean, 

Divers  phuige  for  treasures  rare, 
But  men  hold  the  ropes  abo\e  them, 

So  they  breathe  the  upper  air; 
Seeking  pearls   of  richest  value, 

Braver  hearts   have  dared  to  go; 
But  our  hands  must  every  moment 

Hold  the  ropes  that  reach  below. 

So  amid  ^the  heathen  darkness 

There  are  heroes,  true  and  brave, 
Shrinking   not   from    death   or   danger, 

Bearing  all  to  help  and  save. 
But  the  cry  "Oh,  do  not  leave  us 

'Mid  these  dreadful  depths  to  drown. 
Let   us   feel   your   prayers   around  us; 

Hold  the  ropes  as  we  go  down." 

Who  can  understand  the  darkness 

Of  those  realms  of  sin  and  death? 
E'en  the  very  air  is  tainted 

With  the  dragon's  scorching  breath. 
But  across  the  wildest  billows, 

Love  can  reach  to  distant  lands, 
Underneath  tlic  darkest  surges 

Prayer  can  hold  a  brother's  hands. 

Was  it  only  for  your  brother 

Jesus  spake  His  last  commands? 
Is  there  naught  for  you  to  suffer 

For  these  lost  and  Christless  lands? 
If  you  cannot  go  to  save  them, 

There  are  those  whom  you  can  send; 
And,  with  loving  hearts  to  help  them, 

Hold  the  ropes  while  they  descend. 

Hold  the  ropes  with  hands  more  loyal; 

Pray  with  faith  and  hope  more  strong; 
Ijove  that  never  fails  upholds  them 
■   Through  their  night   of  dark  so  long. 
Lay  your  treasures  on  the  altar; 

Let   us  give   our  children   too; 
There's  a  part  for  every  helper- 

And  the  Lord  has  need  of  you. 

Hold  the  ropes.      'Tis  a  brother  crying — 
He  has  plunged  beneath  the  wa\c; 

He  has  gone,   'mid  lost  and  dying; 

He  has  gone  to  help  and  save. — Anon. 

43 


CHAPTER    IV 
Faith  Trii/mphant 

New  York,  January  24 

Just  five  years  ago  today,  and  Sister  Joy  (nee  Ina  Knapp) 
sailed  for  Africa. 

Cause  for  rejoicing!  A  telegram  from  Brother  Standley 
at  1 2  o'clock,  announcing  the  granting  of  the  permits  for 
the  whole  party.  Hallelujah!  "O  that  men  would  praise 
the  Lord  for  His  goodness  and  for  His  wonderful  works  to 
the  children  of  men."  We  shc-ut  for  joy.  Can  understand 
in  a  measure  how  Miriam  felt  when  she  took  tlie  timbrel  and 
led  the  people,  for  He  did  really  roll  our  sea  away.  "This 
is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes."  Shall 
we  tell  you  why?  We  were  told  by  members  of  two  Mis- 
sionary Boards  here  that  it  would  be  four  months  before  we 
could  secure  the  permits.  One  missionary  of  a  large  organi- 
zation has  been  working  since  last  June,  and  has  just  received 
hers,  while  other  missionaries  have  been  entreating  for  even 
a  longer  time  than  that.  But  our  eyes  were  upon  the  Lord, 
from  whence  cometh  our  help,  and  He  hath  triumphed  glori- 
ously. Were  we  surprised  at  the  permits?  Not  at  all.  Faith 
is  restful,  and  we  were  looking  for  the  answer  this  verv  day. 
Oh,  the  ministry  of  prayer  and  intercession,  how  rare!  We 
have  felt  the  weight  of  hundreds  of  prayers  CAcry  step  of  the 
way,  and  such  a  wonderful  quietness  is  in  all  our  lives.  Surely 
those  who  stay  by  the  stuff  shall  share  in  the  reward. 
Through  all  these  delays  and  testings  we  have  been  so  kept 

45 


that  it  was  almost  as  if  we  had  been  given  an  anaesthetic. 
No  doubt,  many  who  expected  us  on  the  seas  at  th:s  time, 
have  prayed  and  asked  the  Lord  to  keep  us  from  seasickness, 
and  from  the  perils  of  the  deep.  We  have  been  deeply  con- 
scious of  these  prayers,  and  we  have  felt  God  is  going  to 
answer  them. 

Another  test:  Right  after  the  telegram  announcing  the 
permissions,  comes  the  news  that  Brother  Finch's  children 
have  the  measles.  They  have  had  them  once — quite  enough. 
Methinks  we  hear  some  one  say,  "What  next?"  It  is  just 
Something  else  to  trust  over.  We  drew  a  card  from  our 
portfolio  to  Write  the  Bible  School  for  prayer  when,  as 
if  Someone  whispered  in  our  ear,  came  the  promise,  "Before 
they  call,  I  will  answer,  and  while  they  are  yet  speaking,  I 
will  hear."  The  card  was  laid  aside.  It  is  attended  to. 
We  can  now  see  the  wisdom  of  Brother  Finch  having  taken 
them  to  an  isolated  home,  for  no  doubt  had  they  been  in 
rooms  in  the  city  they  would  have  been  hurried  to  the  city 
hospital.  We  are  thus  providentially  hindered  from  going 
on  the  Koruna,  which  sails  today,  two  days  late. 

Will  the  children's  illness  hinder  us  from  going  on  the 
Cuiana?  We  are  steadfastly  believing  to  go.  "None  of 
these  things  move  me."  We  wrote  a  card  to  Brother  Schoom- 
bie,  telling  him  that  permission  was  granted  for  him  to  go 
with  us,  one  to  Sister  Blyden  and  Brother  Beirnes,  telling  of 
■our  sailing  February  2.  How  we  all  rejoiced  when  it  was 
finally  settled.  It  is  such  a  delight  to  have  it  all  taken 
care  of. 

New  York,  January  25 

The  report  comes  that  little  Daniel  is  very  sick — high  fevtT 
and  diptheritic  symptoms.  Our  promise  for  this  is,  "He  shall 
not  be  afraid  of  evil   tidings:    his  heart  is  fiied,   trusting  in 

46 


the  Lord."  We  are  not  afraid.  We  went  to  the  Steamship 
Company's  office  and  found  that  the  vessel  had  just  room 
for  a  party  of  twelve,  and  we  are  that  party — in  time,  thank 
God!  The  Guiana  is  unloading  sugar.  Do  you  desire  some? 
Possibly  you  are  getting  more  now  than  a  pound  a  week. 
The  office  of  the  British  Consul  called  up  at  8  o'clock,  to 
inform  us  that  the  permits  were  in  their  possession,  and  we 
were  free  to  go.     Thank  God,  the  enemy  is  defeated! 

As  we  are  in  walking  distance  of  the  Salvation  Army 
headquarters,  we  attended  the  Friday  night  holiness  meeting. 
They  have  there  one  hundred  Cadets  in  traming,  and  these 
took  an  active  part  in  the  service.  It  was  a  real  /irmy  one- — 
much  crowded  in  in  two  hours.  In  March  the  Salva.tion 
Army  Cadets  are  to  be  sent  out,  twelve  oi  them,  young 
women,  going  to  France. 

New  York,  January  26 

Last  night  the  weather  greatly  moderated.  Brother  Finch 
reports  that  Daniel  and  all  the  other  children  are  very  much 
better.  Just  what  we  expected.  Brother  and  Sister  Fmch 
had  prayed  the  greater  part  of  one  night,  and  they  felt  that 
God  heard  and  rebuked  the  disease,  and  you  who  know 
Brother  Finch  can  understand  how  he  can  tell  I  heir  experi- 
ences. He  said  he  was  ready  to  telegraph  the  E»ible  School 
to  pray  in  haste  for  the  children,  when  the  Lord  said  to 
h.m,  "Can't  you  trust  me?  Can't  I  answer  your  prayers?" 
— and  He  is  answering.  Needless  to  say,  he  did  not  send 
the  telegram.  Friends  had  been  so  kind  to  them,  bringing 
fresh  eggs,  canned  fruit,  and  other  things,  but  bcith  Brother 
and  Sister  Finch  are  much  worn.  However,  they  are  looking 
forward  to  February  2. 

47 


We  all  went  today  to  the  British  Consul's  oflice  and  were, 
without  delay,  given  our  American  Passports  with  the  British 
permits  attached.  A-s  the  office  is  down  town,  we  walked 
around  some,  especially  on  Broadway,  with  its  high  buildings. 
Here  is  the  famous  Wall  Street,  of  which  we  have  heard  so 
much  for  past  years.  We  looked  down  the  narrow  street, 
hemmed  in  on  each  side  by  such  high  buildings  that  we  could 
scarcely  look  up  and  see  the  sky,  and  we  felt  a  keen  interest, 
knowing  what  great  financial  transactions  take  place  there. 
This  is  Old  New  York,  built  so  long  ago  that  it  seems 
foreign,  with  the  streets  so  narrow.  As  we  stood  and  watched 
the  throngs  passing  up  and  down,  it  was,  indeed,  a  sight. 
There  was  Trinity  Episcopal  Church,  open  all  day,  a  cem- 
etery, years  old,  on  each,  side.  How  strange  in  such  a 
crowded  part  of  the  city,  yet  they  are  burying  people  there 
yet.  Expressing  surprise  at  this,  the  sexton  told  us  they  were 
locking  the  caskets  now  in  vaults.  They  opened  one  casket 
recently,  150  years  old,  and  found  just  three  tiny  piles  of 
ashes.  We  have  been  to  New  York  a  great  many  times, 
but  have  never  seen  so  much  of  the  city  before,  and  this  has 
been  a  real  pleasure.  We  have  not  seen  so  many  horses  in 
years.  They  are  using  them  here  in  preference  to  the  trucks. 
As  the  horses  are  not  sharp  shod,  it  is  a  very  common  thing 
to  see  a  horse  down  and  a  whole  lot  of  wagons  and  cars 
held  until  it  gets  up  again. 

We  do  not  know  what  is  before  us  for  the  few  remaining 
davs  before  we  board  the  Guuina,  but  we  are  trusting  in 
Him,  and  our  spirits  are  above  the  clouds. 

January  28 

Another  blizzard,  and  a  great  snow  storm.  It  seems 
strangC:  but  it  looks  as  if  each  Sabbath  is  bitterly  cold.  We 
went  again  to  the  Nazarene  service,  and  they  re^wrted  a  week 

48 


of  victory.  Brother  Smith  gave  two  of  his  characteristic  ser- 
rrons  on  "Perfect  Love."  We  received  a  special  delivery 
from  Brother  Schoombie  this  morning.  He  fears  that  the 
British  permit  of  entrance  is  not  sufficient  for  him.  Then, 
too,  is  afraid  he  cannot  get  ready  by  February  2.  having 
given  up  the  thought  of  being  able  to  go  just  at  this  time.  It 
does  look  impossible  to  get  his  box,  trunk,  etc.,  here  on  time; 
but  we  leave  it  with  God,  with  whom  all  things  are  possible. 
In  the  evening  we  attended  Dr.  Haldemam's  Church.  His 
subject  was,  "Who  is  the  Antichrist?"  His  description  of 
the  present  times  and  what  must  follow,  was  so  awful  that 
we  turned  away  in  horror,  yet  rejoiced  that  we  were  ready 
for  whatsoever  comes.  Dr.  Haldeman  is  receiving  many 
threatening  letters,  but  is  preaching  on  fearlessly.  William 
J.  Bryan  spoke  in  two  of  the  churches  yesterday.  He  spoke 
of  our  "wheatless  and  meatless"  days,  and  asked,  "Why  not 
'beerless'  days?"  and  we  could  not  help  but  questionin^i  with 
him,  why  not?  We  called  on  Sister  James  Taylor,  in  Brook 
lyn,  today,  and  had  a  pleasant  interview.  Sister  Taylor  is 
trusting  God  to  heal  her  of  injuries  received  in  a  fa;!  so  we 
want  the  whole  REVIVALIST  Family  to  pray  for  her.  Brother 
Taylor  is  on  a  trip  to  India. 

A  few  days  back  we  told  you  of  a  new  dilTiculty  that 
had  come  up,  when  the  Lord  gave  us  the  promise.  "Let  not 
your  heart  be  troubled."  The  agent  called  us  up,  quite 
disturbed  by  our  delay,  not  sailing  on  the  Parima,  and  indi- 
cated that  we  might  have  to  stand  at  least  part  of  \.hat  they 
considered  a  loss  to  them  on  our  fares — $600.  Our  l-ather 
knew  we  had  done  our  best,  so  we  committed  it  all  to  Him. 
When  we  saw  him  again  last  week,  he  left  us  with  ^he  distmcl 
impression  that  there  would  be  quite  an  additional  expense. 
I  wish  you  could 'have  seen  our  sober  faces,  but  our  case 
was  conunitled  definitely   to  God,   and   we   refused  to  carry 

49 


the  burden.  Today  we  called  at  the  offxe  again  and  God 
had  undertaken,  for  the  manner  cf  our  friend  was  completely 
changed.  He  made  no  mention  whatever  of  the  big  expense 
and  the  extra  charge,  etc.,  so  we  w  11  only  be  compelled  to  pay 
thirty-eight  dollars  difference  for  all  our  party,  and  in  a  much 
better  vessel,  larger  and  nicer  in  every  particular.  T  hero  was 
a  shout  in  our  hearts,  but  we  felt  that  was  not  the  time  or 
place  to  let  it  out.  "A  time  to  keep  silence,  amd  a  time  to 
speak"  (Eccl.  3:7).  When  we  got  into  the  hall,  however, 
we  had  a  time  of  rejoicing.  Brother  Finch  said,  "I  just 
felt  like  throwing  back  my  head  and  giving  one  of  those  big 
whoops  like  Brother  Lew  Standley  does."  We  are  learning 
the  beautiful  lesson  of  taking  Him  at  His  Word,  and  trusting 
in  simple  faith.  Visiting  the  British  Consul's  office  to  inquire 
more  carefully  as  to  Brother  Schoombie's  going,  the  Engl  sh 
Secretary  informed  us  that  he  could  take  care  of  Brother 
Schoombie's  case  without  referring  it  again  to  Washington. 
We  had  all  been  drawn  to  him  from  the  first,  as  he  had  taken 
so  much  interest  in  the  party,  and  had  taken  so  much  time  to 
aid  us  in  every  way  possible.  On  bidding  him  goodby,  he 
said,  to  our  joy,  "I  should  like  to  be  in  that  same  work,"  and 
then  explained  to  us  of  his  call  and  intention  of  some  day 
going  as  a  missionary  to  Africa.  What  a  blessing  to  know  him 
and  what  a  joy  to  meet  him  and  to  encourage  him  to  go  with 
God. 

On  our  return  to  our  rooms  we  found  two  letters  from  heme, 
and  how  we  did  enjoy  them.  It  was  just  a  bit  like  being  there. 
All  of  us  are  jubilant  tonight,  for  faith  is  lost  in  sight.  But 
faith  was  good  when  there  was  no  light. 

January  29 

It  is  good  today  to  see  the  sun,  after  two  days  of  a  raging 
snow  storm.     We  are  putting  in  a  heavy  day,  trying  to  get 

50 


all  our  writing  ahead,  as  the  last  days  will  be  crowded  full. 
A  telegram  from  Brother  Schoombie  tells  us  he  will  be  in  on 
Thursday,  but  is  still  skeptical  about  being  able  to  go.  The 
Consul,  however,  says  it  is  all  right.  Today  we  had  two 
letters  from  home.  Two  REVIVALIST  friends  sent  us  $25. 
This  is  a  blessing,  and  provides  for  the  extra  expense  here. 
God  is  verifying  Hi«  promise,  "My  God  shall  supply  all 
your  need."  Brother  and  Sister  Standley  both  feel  we  are 
to  make  the  trip  as  originally  planned,  and  not  to  leave  out 
any  island,  as  we  had  been  thinking  of  doing  since  the  delay. 
"I  will  watch  to  see  what  He  will  say  unto  me"  (Hab.  2:1  ). 
It  looks  as  if  the  Lord  is  giving  us  a  winter  rest  in  New  York. 
When  Sister  King  was  getting  packed  up  ready  for  the  de- 
parture, pressed  to  the  very  limit  with  overwork,  she  said, 
"Oh,  if  I  only  could  have  a  month's  rest  before  I  start!" 
Did  the  Lord  delay  the  whole  party  to  rest  His  tired  child? 
It  almost  looks  so.  "Are  not  five  sparrows  sold  for  two 
farthings,  and  not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  before  God?" 

January  30 

We  had  a  thaw  yesterday,  but  the  streets  froze  again  in 
the  night,  and  are  very  icy.  On  almost  every  corner  a  horse 
is  down.  Some  have  broken  their  limbs.  A  few  have  had 
to  be  shot.  It  is  so  pitiable  to  see  them  strain  as  they  go. 
Brother  King  helped  one  up  that  the  officer  desired  to  shoot. 

There  is  an  epidemic  of  measles  in  the  city,  but  the  Health 
Officer  has  released  the  Finch  children;  said  he  trusted  them 
to  keep  the  law,  so  here  we  are  released  in  time  for  the  em- 
barking. "Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of  Israel,  who 
only  dpeth  wondrous  things."      ; 

Januapy  31 

A  glad  note  of  praise  is  in  order.  Brother  Schoombie 
came,   and  on  seeing  the  Consul,  the  passport  was  granted. 

51 


V/hat  had  taken  four  months  of  effort  was  accomplished 
within  two  hours.  He  has  been  working  on  his  for  four 
months,  as  he  is  a  British  subject.  Brother  Schoombie  is  so 
surprised,  but  the  rest  of  us  are  not.  What  a  lesson  to  be 
learned!  If  every  seeking  soul  would  turn  aside  from  his 
own  wavs  and  go  directly  to  the  One  source  of  help,  how 
quickly  they  would  get  it.  There  is  a  short  cut  through  to 
God.  "If  ve  seek  me  ye  shall  find  me  when  ye  shall  search 
for  me  with  all  your  heart."  We  are  all  so  rejoiced  over 
this  victory.  Everything  now  is  in  readiness,  baggage  trans- 
ferred, and  we  plan  on  leaving.  The  vessel  sails  on  time  at 
noon,  as  far  as  we  can  eiscertain. 

February  1 

We  are  glad  to  say  goodby  to  January.  The  vessel  expects 
to  sail  noon,  sharp,  tomorrow,  and  we  are  in  perfect  rest  over 
everything. 

New  York,  Februar})  2 

A  glad  day  to  us  all.  "For  this  day  is  the  Scripture  ful- 
filled in  your  ears."  Fourteen  years  ago  we  accompanied  a 
party  of  missionaries  to  New  York,  and  in  answer  to  prayer, 
a  beautiful  autoharp  was  given  us,  with  this  promise,  "I  will 
sing  praise  to  thee  among  the  nations"  (Psalm  108,  3d  verse). 
We  have  marked  in  our  Bible  "December,  1903."  How 
patiently  we  have  waited  these  years  for  this  hour  to  come. 
We  are  off  to  our  first  nation,  and  believe  that  it  is  part  of 
our  life's  work  and  God's  plan  to  visit  them  all,  going  as 
He  leads.  The  knowledge  of  His  will  concerning  this  visit 
was  never  made  public  until  the  farewell  service  in  the  Taber- 
nacle in  Cincinnati,  and  now  we  give  it  to  you  to  encourage 
some  reader  whom  the  Lord  has  given  a  call,  and  everything 
is  pressing  against  you.     Be  encouraged,  hold  steadfast.   When 

52 


everything  seems  to  fail,  still  hold  on,  and  if  you  are  true  to 
God,  that  call  will  come  to  pass. 

Here  we  are,  Pier  47.  You  who  have  followed  us  thus 
far  in  your  thoughts  and  prayers,  will  rejoice  with  us,  and  we 
believe  will  share  in  our  joy.  It  truly  looks  as  if  God 
wanted  us  to  have  the  largest  vessel  on  the  line,  and  held  us 
to  take  the  best.  After  the  month's  delay  of  testing  (I  have 
only  given  you  a  glimpse) ,  we  feel  His  joy  overwhelming 
us,  and  that  He  is  taking  pleasure  in  His  people.  The  only 
Scripture  that  expresses  this  He  gave  us:  "The  Lord  thy 
God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  mighty.  He  will  save.  He  will 
rejoice  over  thee  with  joy;  He  will  joy  over  thee  with  singing." 
Can  you  not  feel  it? 

"Joy,   joy,   joy, 
For  my  heart  is  singing, 
Joy>  Joy>  joy?  the  de-vil  can't  destroy." 

We  do  trust  we  have  given  you  what  you  have  desired  to 
know  so  far.  for  He  has  greatly  blessed,  and  we  have  tried  to 
tell  you  His  leadings.  Backed  by  the  united  prayers  of  God's 
people,  and  Doctor  Godbey's  beautiful  benediction  resting 
upon  the  party,  we  are  bles:ed,  indeed.  Personally,  he  said 
to  us  when  leaving  the  School:  "I  may  not  be  here  when 
you  return;  I  may  be  in  Heaven,  and  if  so,  I  will  hunt  up 
Brother  Knapp  and  tell  him  you  have  become  young  enough 
to  go  as  a  missionary." 

Everything  is  excitement;  baggage  arriving,  passengers  on 
hand,  passports  being  examined,  but  we  have  sought  a  quiet 
corner  to  pen  these  lines.  "The  set  time  has  come."  We 
are  off  for  the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  Our  next 
letter  will  be  written  on  board  the  vessel. 

53 


' '  We  must  say  farewell,  for  our  paths  divide, 
On  the  shore  you  stand  while  we  cross  the  tide, 
,  But  for  those  who  go  and  for  those  who  stay, 
There 's  the  Lord 's  own  presence  from  day  to  day. 

-     Farewell,  f  arwell,  it  must  be  well, 

We  are  safe  in  His  blessed  keeping, 
■'   ;-= -As  forth  w*e  go  His  fields  to  sow, 
,..j   .     We  ^h all  meet  at  tiie   time   of  reaping." 


On  board  Guiana,  11:15.  Hallelujah!  Even  part  of 
Brother  Schoombie's  baggage  has  just  come.  Will  sail  in  one 
hour.     Gocdby,  dear  friends,  we  are  off  for  a  warmer  clime. 


54 


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.      CHAPTER  V 
En   Route 

Saturday,  Febmaryf  2 

"The  Lord  watch  between  me  and  thee,  when  we  are  ab- 
sent one  from  another." 

Here  we  are  in  New  York  Harbor,  aboard  the  Steamship 
Guiana,  waiting  for  the  signal  to  leave.  The  gangplauik  is 
lifted,  and  all  is  in  readiness.  It  is  the  most  beautiful,  clear 
day,  but  very  cold — 14  degrees  below  zero.  All  the  party 
are  well,  and  marvelously  blessed  of  God.  Brother  Finch 
said  he  was  as  happy  as  a  child;  indeed,  so  happy  he  did  not 
know  what  to  do  with  himself,  and  Brother  Finch's  expression 
declared  all  our  feelings.  The  past  month  has  been  one  of 
heaviness,  and  many  times,  manifold  temptation,  but  the  heavi- 
ness has  lifted,  our  hearts  an;  singing,  our  spirits  are  above 
the  clouds.  We  are  leaving  in  God's  time,  on  God's  errand, 
on  the  vessel  of  His  choosing,  and  we  aire  satisfied — completely 
satisfied  with  His  plan.  We  felt  that  only  one  thing  more 
could  have  made  our  joy  inexpressible;  some  way  we  wanted 
flowers,  when,  behold!  as  we  gathered  at  the  table  in  the 
dining  room  we  found  the  most  beautiful  hothouse  roses. 
Thus  God  gave  us  not  only  our  necessities,  but  the  desire  of 
our  heart,  and  we  were  a  band  praising  Him,  and  havmg  a 
joyous  time.  Sister  Lyle,  who  lias  been  exceedingly  kind  to 
us  while  in  New  York,  came  to  see  us  off,  but  was  only 
allowed  to  stand  at  the  entrance  of  the  pier,  as  no  visitors 
were  permitted  on  board  the  ship. 

57 


The  Custom  House  officers  did  their  work  most  thoroughly. 
They  looked  carefully,  not  only  through  our  wearing  apparel, 
trunks,  etc.,  but  even  through  our  Bibles,  and  read  the  chil- 
dren's letters.  One  of  them  remarked,  "It  is  a  pity  we  can't 
take  the  word  of  just  such  folks  as  you."  They  were  busy 
for  a  long  time,  as  there  was  so  much  baggage,  and  they 
went  through  every  piece  faithfully.  Sister  King  was  not 
allowed  to  take  the  films  for  her  camera,  and  the  kodak  was 
kept  by  the  Purser.     Lunch  was  served  on  board  at  2  o'clock. 

We  are  so  delighted  with  every  appointment  of  the  steamer. 
Sister  King,  her  mother  and  myself  have  one  stateroom,  wh.'le 
Brothers  King,  Schoombie  and  little  Paul  have  another,  and 
Brother  and  Sister  Finch  and  the  other  children  still  two  others. 
This  is  a  far  better  steamer  than  the  one  we  booked  on.  We 
feel  perfectly  at  home,  but  even  so  have  we  felt  everywhere 
we  have  been  in  the  last  month.  More  and  more  the  following 
lines  are  impressed  on  our  hearts: 

'  *  What  matters  where  on  earth  we  dwell, 
On  mouTitain  top  or  in  the   dell, 
In   cottage   or   in   mansion   fair; 
Where  Jesus  is,    'tis  Heaven  there." 

4:30  P.  M. 

We  are  off  at  last.  We  had  had  a  great  desire  to  have 
the  vessiel  leave  in  the  day  time,  that  we  might  look  at  the 
the  Statue  of  Liberty,  see  Ellis  Island,  etc.  We  pass  them 
all,  also  Staten  Island.  The  little  tugs  have  lined  up  with 
our  vessel,  and  how  they  do  interest  us!  They  are  towing 
us  out  now  into  deep  water,  and  with  such  ease.  The  great 
steamer  moves  majestically,  but  the  little  tugs  are  really  doing 
the  work.  A  few  minutes  ago  we  passetl  througli  the  Nar- 
rows, with  forts  on  each  side.  It  is  getting  dark.  The  eve- 
ning is  coming  on  apace.  The  lights  of  the  city  are  growing 
dim,  but  the  great  rays  from  the  lighthouses  are  casting  their 

58 


beams  athwart  the  waters,  and  we  feel  safe  in  our  Father's 
keeping.  As  we  retire,  all  the  lights  are  turned  out,  blinds 
closed.  The  pilot  who  guided  the  ship  through  the  Narrows 
leaves  us  at  Sandy  Hook.  Thank  God,  our  Heavenly  Pilot 
is  going  to  go  with  us  all  the  way,  and  we  have  no  care.  We 
can  safely  trust  Him,  not  only  through  "The  Narrows,"  but 
through  the  sunshine  and  storms  as  well.  N.jither  have  we 
any  fear  of  an  alien  enemy.  Our  trust  and  dependence  is 
in  Him,  and  He  has  promised  to  see  us  throu,?h. 

7:45   P.  M. 

"We  are   out  on  the   ocean   sailing 
Far  beyond   the   tide." 

We  can  feel  the  great  swells  of  the  siia,  but  our  vessel  is 
riding  them  with  perfect  ease,  and  how  good  it  is  to  know  that 
we  are  on  God's  errand  at  last.  We  ha^e  no  bu, den.  Our 
loved  ones  at  the  "Mount  of  Blessings,"  and  the  g  eat  REVI- 
VALIST Family,  are  praying  for  us,  and  we  are  committed  abso- 
lutely to  H  m.  At  8  o'clock  we  retire,  as  the  day  has  been  full 
to  the  limit,  and  we  are  all  very  tired,  but  we  retire  singing, 

"Hiding  in  Thee,  hiding  in  Thee, 
Thou  blest  Eock  of  Ages,  I'm 
Hiding  in   Thee." 

Sunday,  February  3 

How  many  times  in  the  past  have  we  given  missionaries  the 
1 2 !  st  Psalm,  and  now  the  whole  party  are  trusting  these 
promises,  and  oh,  how  safe  and  secure  we  feel!  The  swells 
are  very  heavy,  and  while  we  feel  them  intensely.  Brother 
Finch  declares  it  is  the  smoothest  sea  he  has  ever  been  on. 
We  are  away  out  from  the  coast  now — nothing  but  a  vast 
expanse  of  water.     The  weather  is  decidedly  milder,  and  we 

59 


are  enjoying  ourselves  thoroughly.  In  the  music  room  Sister 
King  and  the  Finch  children  are  singing  some  of  our  Bible 
School  hymns,  and  how  beautiful  the  music  sounds  as  it  rings 
through  the  ship! 

We  have  just  met  one  of  the  Wireless  operators,  a  young 
man  of  twenty-five.  He  gives  us  the  news  of  the  world  by 
wireless  each  morning.  Asking  him  about  himself,  he  told 
us  his  father  and  mother  had  been  missionaries  in  Central 
America,  and  that  he"  himself  was  saved.  He  had  been 
around  the  world,  and  while  in  the  war  zone,  recently,  the 
vessel  was  torpedoed  and  went  down  in  three  minutes.  He 
was  among  the  survivors,  and  that  experience  of  facing  instant 
death  brought  him  to  his  senses,  and  he  immediately  yielded 
to  God,  and  found  Jesus  as  his  Savior.  After  many  years 
of  wandering,  the  prayers  of  that  father  and  mother  were 
finally  answered.  Oh,  take  courage,  you  who  have  loved 
ones  away  from  God;  you  who  have  been  waiting  and  praying 
and  looking  to  Him — He  is  faithful,  and  He  will  answer! 

We  are  now  287  miles  o\it  from  New  York,  and  all 
passengers  aboard  were  called  to  the  music  room  and  given 
tickets  for  the  lifeboats  to  be  used  in  the  event  of  accident. 
Life  preservers  are  also  in  each  room,  and  we  have  been 
instructed  how  to  put  them  on,  but  \vt  are  not  expecting  to 
use  either  the  life  preservers  or  our  ticket  to  the  lifeboat. 
None  of  our  party  as  yet  has  been  seasick,  and  we  are  getting 
somewhat  accustomed  to  the  motion  of  the  boat.  Every 
moment  is  full  of  keen  interest.  Today  we  sighted  a  schooner, 
but  not  another  vessel  of  any  kind.  Although  this  is  the 
Sabbath,  there  were  no  services  aboard,  but  everything  has 
been  quiet,  in  keeping  with  Sunday. 

Tuesday,  February  5 

After  closing  our  entry  for  Sabbath  evening,  we  were  not 
able  to  write  until  now.     Wc  felt  so  well,  could  walk  with 

60 


such  ease,  had  lost  the  top-heavy  feeling,  and  was  greatly 
enjoying  our  first  day  out;  the  air  was  like  April  at  home; 
passengers  were  promenading  the  deck,  when  suddenly  the 
sea  began  to  get  choppy  and  heavy,  and  within  an  hour  there 
was  a  great  change.  At  6  o'clock  we  went  to  the  dining 
room  for  dinner. 

Someone  remarked  that  we  were  looking  deadly  pale, 
while  some  of  the  other  passengers  were  feeling  strange  and 
dizzy.  We  had  scarcely  been  seated  at  the  table  when  we 
turned  so  ill.  We  had  to  give  up  our  breakfast  and  lunch 
before  leaving  the  dining  room,  and  if  it  had  not  been  for 
help  we  would  probably  have  fallen  headlong  downstairs. 
When  we  reached  our  stateroom  we  found  Sister  King  also 
deathly  sick,  and  wc  learned  that  all  the  Finch  family  were 
in  bed,  with  Brother  King  saying,  "It's  coming  on."  The 
only  one  of  our  party  immune  was  Brother  Schoombie.  He 
went  from  one  room  to  another,  aiding  all  he  could,  and 
making  himself  generally  useful.  However,  he  teased  us, 
calling  all  such  "brave  missionaries."  He  really  did  not  spare 
us.  We  called  him  "the  Invincible,"  and  felt  he  ought  to 
be  sick  at  least  ten  minutes. 

The  children  at  home  have  a  beautiful  child's  book  called 
"Pollyanna" — the  story  of  a  girl  who.  always  found  some- 
thing to  be  "glad"  about.  While  we  were  at  our  worst,  had 
given  up  all  we  had  and  more,  too,  it  seemed,  the  thought 
of  Pollyanna  suddenly  sprang  into  our  mind,  Juid  with  the 
awful  seasickness  grippini?  us  we  wondered  if  she  could  find 
anything  to  be  glad  about  that  minute  and,  sure  enough,  we 
did.  We  had  been  told  repeatedly  that  people  get  so  sick 
they  are  afraid  they  will  die,  then  so  much  worse  they  fear 
they  will  not  die,  and  as  we  did  not  reach  that  extreme  point 
we  did  find  something  to  be  "glad"  about. 

61. 


As  we  lay  on  our  back,  the  vessel  pitched  and  tossed  in  the 
heavy  sea.  First  vv^e  seemed  to  suddenly  drop  into  a  great 
trough,  then  so  high  on  the  billow^s,  then  a  sudden  drop  again. 
What  a  shaking  up  we  had!  It  had  rained  for  hours,  and 
we  were  passing  through  a  terrific  storm,  but  the  cross  currents 
were  causing  the  trouble  and  seasickness  now.  They  told  us 
that  we  should  be  out  of  the  Gulf  Stream  by  morning,  and 
we  looked  forward  to  that,  but,  alas!  the  storm  grew  wo'se, 
and  how  we  longed  for  Jesus  to  say,  "Peace,  be  slill."  "  All 
we  could  do  was  to  lie  on  our  bed  and  pray,  as  the  storm 
continued  all  day  and  through  the  night,  seeming  to  grow 
worse  and  worse.  The  waves  were  rolling  from  twenty  to 
f fty  feet  hrjh,  dashing  ever  the  lower  and  upper  decks.  The 
Eieamer  would  go  so  far  over  one  side  as  to  dp  water,  and 
ihen  irrmc:ii"te!y  she  would  dip  on  the  other  side,  but  through 
it  all  God  !:cpt  us  in  peace  and  victory.  Twice  the  ship 
had  such  a  heavy  shaking  up,  and  made  such  a  terri'^c  lunge 
tliat  the  d'shcs  and  everything  moveable  came  down  to  the 
floor  with  a  crath,  and  there  v/as  great  fear  and  consternat  on 
among  the  passengers.  The  captain  told  us  this  was  the  wo:st 
storm  hs  had  seen  in  years,  and  in  all  his  traveling  on  the 
Atlantic,  it  was  the  second  time  he  had  been  compelled  to 
strap  the  plates  on  the  table.  Even  he  himself  was  seis'ck, 
and  there  were  very  few  on  board  who  were  not.  This  will 
give  you  a  little  idea  of  what  we  have  been  going  through 
for   some  hours   now. 

Today  we  all  came  on  deck,  and  I  am  writing,  but  in 
great  weakness.  While  talking  over  the  question  of  seasck- 
ness.  Brother  Finch  told  us,  as  we  were  going  to  the  field 
on  an  inspection  tour,  we  ought  to  have  every  experience  the 
missionaries  pass  through,  and  seasickness  to  some  of  them  is 
always  a  great  trial.  Brother  Finch  himself  has  never  been 
able  to  be  kept  from  seasickness.     God  does  not  change  our 

62 


< 

< 
5 
O 

< 
H 


environments.  When  crossing  a  continent,  we  know  there  are 
hills  and  mountains  to  be  climbed,  rivers  and  lakes  to  be 
crossed,  and  we  do  not  expect  them  to  be  changed.  But 
there  was  one  comfort  through  it  all.  Our  captain  kept  the 
vessel  sighted  toward  our  destination.  He  did  not  stop  for 
the  smooth  places.  While  the  storm  was  at  its  worst,  and 
the  ship  lunging  and  plunging,  we  were  still  headed  for  our 
port  in  the  West  Indies.  When  we  started;  Brother  Finch 
could  not  pray  through  as  to  the  weather  conditions.  He 
knew  we  were  going  to  cross  the  Gulf  Stream,  which  is  always 
more  or  less  rough  and,  at  this  time  of  the  year,  very  stormy. 
After  writing  the  above  little  human  essay,  lying  in  our 
steamer  chair,  we  were  suddenly  stopped,  and  for  hours  after- 
ward suffered  such  prolonged  nausea  that  it  drove  us  to  our 
loving  God.  We  looked  at  the  sea,  but  did  not  see  it.  We 
heard  people  talking  all  about  us,  but  knew  nothing  of  what 
was  said.  There  were  tears  in  our  eyes,  and  an  unbroken 
cry  in  our  heart,  and  that  cry  went  to  the  heart  of  God,  and 
He  heard  us.  We  asked  Him  that  even  though  we  must 
go  through — and  desired  to  go  through — what  other  mission- 
aries passed,  had  we  not  suffered  enough  to  understand?  Was 
not  the  lesson  learned?  Had  we  not  gotten  that  which  He 
would  have  us  to  get  to  pass  on  to  others?  Would  He  not 
now  hear  and  deliver  us,  and  let  us  glory  in  the  God  who 
hears  and  answers  prayer?  But  this  prayer,  this  great  heart 
cry  was  not  for  ourself  alone;  we  prayed  for  all  the  mis- 
sionary party,  and  not  only  for  the  one  present  with  us,  but 
those  who  would  be  going  out  in  the  future.  Somehow  we 
felt  like  we  wanted  to  take  in  everyone  of  His  children  who 
would  ever  cross  the  seas.  The  hours  of  suffering  totally 
unfitted  us  for  reading,  writing,  or  duties  of  any  kind  what- 
ever. All  we  could  do  was  to  lie  still  and  pray.  We  felt 
we  must  be  delivered  from  seasickness  to  finish  the  trip,  and 

65 


visions  of  sloops,  sailing  vessels,  row  boats,  etc.,  with  the 
dreaded  small  island  visits,  came  before  us,  and  we  knew 
if  we  were  wealcened  each  time  as  now,  with  little  strength 
left,  our  visit  would  be  a  failure.  God  alone  could  help, 
arid  He  did.'      '  '     ""-     -  -    -h'-r,    :■  :■    n.  ■->.. 

■     .'■   ■■    '.-       "Jesus  has  you  on  His -heart, 

Jesus   has   you   on   His   heart; 
.  .       He  knows  and  waits  to  share 

The  burdens  you  must  bear, 

Jesus  has  you  on  His  heart. '' 

We  truly  know  now  from  experience  what  some  of  the 
missionaries  pass  through,  and  will-  be  able  to  pray  for  them 
as  we  never  have. 

This  is  a  small  vessel  compared  to  the  transatlantic  liners; 
carries  one  hundred  passengers,  and  is  of  7,000  tonnage. 
While  I  am  writing  this,  our  latitude  is  26:32  north,  longi- 
tude 66:9  west.  Now  this  is  a  problem  for  the  children: 
Where  are  we?  See  if  you  can  figure  it  out.  Yesterday  we 
were  off  the  coast  of  South  Carolina,  and  since  then  have 
gone  about  240  miles.  The  ship  only  makes  about  eleven 
knots  an  hour,  and  one  knot  is  a  mile,  but  during  the  storm 
we  made  less  than  a  mile  an  hour.  The  ship  is  painted  all 
black  to  keep  it  from  being  a  target  for  the  enemy.  Do 
you  ask,  are  we  afraid  of  submarines?  We  surely  are  not. 
Just  before  leaving  Cincinnati,  the  steamship  agent  there  wrote 
us  a  most  beautiful  letter.  He  had  been  in  the  Missionary 
Farewell  Meeting  on  Sunday,  and  in  the  letter  he  expressed 
surprise  that  anyone  could  think  of  trouble  coming  to  us. 
He  wrote,  "The  missionaries  of  God's  Bible  School  are  as  safe 
on  board  the  steamer  with  a  hundred  German  submarines 
around  it,  as  a  Daniel  in  the  lion's  den," 

We  have  another  lesson  for  the  REVIVALIST  children  who 
are  studying  geography.      Look  up  the  question  of  the  Gulf 

66 


Stream  and  the  cross  currents,  and  then  you  will  understand 
what  made  us  all  seasick.  In  the  old  geography,  the  ones 
we  had  when  I  was  a  girl,  there  was  a  picture  of  these  cross 
currents  under  the  water. 

The  sick  people  all  look  so  white  and  pinched,  especially 
the  children,  who  have  lost  their  rosy  color.  It  is  such  a 
comfort  to  have  the  whole  missionary  party  again  on  deck, 
and  we  never  tire  of  the  children.  Shadl  we  introduce  you 
to  them?  Catherine,  eleven;  Esther,  nine;  Paul,  seven; 
Naomi,  five;  Daniel,  three  and  a  half.  Daniel  is  the  pet  of 
all  the  passengers.  The  children  are  full  of  love,  life,  fun 
and  mischief.  All  the  little  folks  expect  to  be  missionaries 
as  Father  and  Mother  are,  when  they  grow  up,  so  we  want 
the  Revivalist  Family  to  remember  and  pray  for  them. 

Wednesday,  February  6 

Being  on  deck  in  the  open  sea  air  all  day  yesterday  made 
us  sleepy,  and  last  night  we  had  the  best  rest  we  have  known 
since  leaving  New  York.  The  sea  was  heavy,  but  we  slept 
so  soundly  we  knew  nothing  of  it.  It  is  very  calm  today, 
and  the  air  is  delightful.  All  the  passengers  Went  down  to 
breakfast,  and  we  enjoyed  being  together  again.  The  dining 
room  is  large,  airy  and  pleasant,  with  two  long  tables  in  the 
center  and  small  ones  on  the  sides.  Every  hour  of  the  day 
and  night  the  bell  on  the  bridge  rings,  and  there  is  a  change  of 
officers  on  the  look-out.  We  have  seen  plenty  of  flying  fish. 
They  usually  fly  in  schools  of  a  dozen  or  more,  and  the  fish 
are  about  the  size  of  our  trout.  One  made  a  mistake  yester- 
day, and  flew  up  on  the  deck,  striking  a  passenger  on  the 
back,  but  he  captured  him,  and  brought  him  around  for  all 
to  see,  and  then  threw  him  back  to  his  home  in  the  ocean.  He 
was  as  frightened  and  quivering  as  a  young  bird  out  of  the 
nest. 

67 


Thursday,  February)  7 

God  taketh  care  of  His  own.  We  have  just  learned  of 
the  fate  of  the  Parima  and  Koruna.  Both  ships  encountered 
terrific  storms,  and  were  disabled,  the  Parima  especially  so. 
It  will  be  sometime  before  she  can  leave  the  dock.  No 
wonder  our  Heavenly  Father  held  us  a  month  in  New  York. 
He  knew  what  was  before  those  two  vessels,  and  spared  us. 

Today  the  air  is  warm  and  balmy,  and  the  sea  compara- 
tively calm.  We  are  crossing  over  where  the  ocean  is  said 
to  be  five  miles  deep.  The  temperature  is  70  degrees.  We 
are  all  happy,  contented  and  looking  forward  to  our  arrival 
at  port. 


(•« 


CHATPER  VI 


1-  i^\.L 


1 


Among   "The   Islands" 
Friday,  February  8 

Hallelujah!  We  are  nearing  St.  Thomas.  Four  miles  off 
we  can  see  Porto  Rico.  Brother  Finch  knocked  on  the  door 
of  our  stateroom  early  this  morning  and  said,  "Put  on  summer 
clothes — Tropics  today!"  The  ocean  is  the  smoothest  that 
it  has  been  since  last  Sunday,  and  all  recovering  from  their 
attack  of  seasickness  but  the  writer;  we  feel  so  exhausted  and 
heart  weak.  This  is  an  experience  where  we  are  determined 
to  look  to  God  to  do  something  supernatural.  As  the  trip 
is  planned,  it  will  mean  sailing  vessels,  sloops,  schooners, 
late  hours  and  hardships  of  various  kinds;  we  must  be  at  our 
best  physically,  to  carry  out  our  part  of  the  trip.  We  are 
looking  definitely  to  Him. 

We  are  now  about  1 ,440  miles  from  New  York.  There 
are  among  the  passengers  aboard,  three  Catholic  priests,  going 
out  as  missionaries  to  a  little  island.  Seven  more  are  to  fol- 
low on  the  next  steamer.  Think  of  it!  Ten  priests  to  one 
small  island,  while  the  saints  of  God  have  but  one  lone  mis- 
sionary on  one  large  island.  It  is  time  the  soldiers  of  Jesus 
Christ  were  getting  awake  to  their  duty.  We  are  having 
real  summer  weather.  It  seems  almost  like  a  dream,  after 
having  left  New  York  and  the  bitter,  intense  cold  there. 

Here  we  are  at  St.  Thomas.  The  ship  docked  about  an  hour 
ago,  and  the  scene  spread  out  before  us  is  indescribable — 
most  beautiful  and  tropical.     St.  Thomas  is  one  of  the  islands 

69 


belonging  to  the  United  States,  and  our  great  American  flag 
is  proudly  floating  from  many  a  flag  pole  and  high  building. 
It  is  called  "the  city  of  three  hills."  Palm  trees  line  the 
road,  while  good,  substantial-looking  houses  are  built  on  the 
slopes  of  the  hills  clear  to  the  crown.  We  were  signalled 
from  shore  this  morning,  so  that  when  we  arrived  all  kinds  of 
little  craft,  steam  launches,  sail  boats,  and  row  boats,  came 
hurriedly  out  to  meet  us.  First,  the  pilot  came  on  board  and 
took  the  vessel  into  port.  Then  the  harbor  master  allowed 
no  one  else  to  come  on  until  he  had  received  the  boat.  Then 
appeared  a  laynch  flying  the  flag  of  the  Police  Department, 
and  this  little  boat  v/as  guarded  by  two  United  States  soldiers 
and  a  policeman.  Then  came  a  steam  launch  to  take  off 
the  three  Catholic  priests.  Trunks  were  taken  down  and 
carried  away  in  boats  one-half  mile  to  the  city.  What  a 
sight!  The  harbor  crowded  with  these  small  crafts  coming 
and  going,  a  number  of  passengers  leaving,  confusion  and 
pleasant  excitement  everywhere.  One  boat  came  near  us  with 
four  boys  and  some  men  in  it,  and  these  boys  would  dive  for 
a  copper  or  nickel  thrown  from  the  decks.  The  lads  were 
just  as  black  as  coal,  and  had  on  only  a  bare  covering.  How 
they  would  dive  and  scramble,  and  never  fail  to  receive  the 
nickel  or  penny,  either,  coming  up  with  it  in  their  teeth.  Two 
great  derricks  were  immediately  put  to  work,  and  the  freight 
was  lifted  first  to  one  side  to  a  barge,  and  then  to  the  other 
side  to  the  wharf  house  on  the  shore.  For  hours  the  freight 
workers  were  unloading.  Out  near  the  shore  is  the  guard 
ship;  and  on  our  right,  the  wreck  of  a  steamer  recently  de- 
stroyed in  a  hurricane. 

About  four  o'clock  three  of  us  got  into  a  carriiige — plenty 
of  them,  as  well  as  boats,  to  take  one  around — and  were 
taken  all  through  the  three  little  towns.  Everything  was  so 
strange  and  new,  and  full  of  real  interest.     Little  tiny  houses, 

70 


small  as  a  pantry  in  the  United  States,  and  yet  a  family 
crowded  in  there,  and  keeping  house,  was  not  an  unusual  sight. 
The  island  is  only  thirteen  miles  around,  and  yet  has  a  p)opu- 
lation  of  1  1 ,000.  Our  guide  told  us  that  there  was  a  funeral 
every  day,  and  sometimes  four  and  five  in  one  day.  Dear 
little  black  babies  up  to  three  years  of  age,  absolutely  nude, 
were  to  be  seen  everywhere.  The  people  talk  Spanish,  English 
and  French,  There  were  no  wagons,  only  two-wheeled  carts, 
and  donkeys  and  small  ponies,  and  these  donkies  and  ponies 
looked  tired  and  overworked. 

How  very  interesting  were  the  stores  and  the  market  places! 
Small  articles  for  sale  were  displayed  at  almost  every  doorstep, 
sometimes  a  handful  of  peanuts  tied  up  in  a  little  bundle ;  some- 
times sugarcane;  sometimes  three  or  four  eggs; — limes,  toma- 
toes, small  oranges,  homemade  candy,  cocoanuts, — ^just  bits 
of  each,  and  the  same  things  in  the  market,  too.  Brother  Finch, 
accustomed  to  the  needs  of  these  dear  people,  was  a  real  mis- 
sionary, talking  first  with  the  driver,  then  with  one  and  another 
whom  he  met,  about  their  souls.  Stopping  at  one  tiny  house, 
a  blind  sister  was  called  out.  She  had  gone  totally 
blind  in  one  night,  but  was  full  of  praise  to  God  because 
He  had  saved  her  and  wonderfully  sanctified  her.  She  said 
if  she  had  not  God,  she  would  be  grieving  her  life 
away;  but  her  face  shone  with  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and 
her  voice  was  full  of  joy.  What  a  refreshing  to  soul  and 
spirit  to  hear  her  testify!  While  here  we  received  a  cable 
from  Brother  Will  Biernes,  saying,  "Stop  at  St.  Kitts.  Brother 
Coone  dead."  Startling?  Yes,  more  than  startling!  "I 
was  dumb  with  silence  because  thou  did'st  it."  Brother  Finch 
was  greatly  moved,  as  Brother  Coone  was  one  of  the  valued 
workers,  a  brother  much  beloved  in  the  Lord.  How  much 
he  seemed  needed  there  in  the  work!   and  no  one  to  take  his 

71 


place.     "How  unsearchable  are  His  judgments,  and  His  ways 
past  finding  out!" 

Saturday,  Februar))  9 

We  have  had  the  most  wonderful  day,  one  of  the  beautiful 
times  the  Lord  lets  come  to  us  occasionally.  The  ship  reached 
St.  Croix  at  6:30  this  morning.  Going  on  deck  to  see  the 
harbor  we  found  two  ladies'  in  a  big  row  boat  waiting  to  take 
us  ashore.  When  Rev.  J.  W.  Mahew,  the  superintend(x:t  of 
this  work  here,  learned  of  our  proposed  trip,  he  wrote  us, 
asking  us  to  stop  over  and  have  a  service  with  his  people. 
This  we  consented  to  do,  and  all  arrangements  were  made 
accordingly.  When  the  Parima  arrived,  however,  and  we 
were  not  aboard,  and  not  one  word  of  explanation,  he  wrote 
a  letter  which  was  handed  us  in  St.  Thomas,  and  asked  that 
if  we  were  aboard  this  vessel,  to  cable  the  time  of  our  arrival 
(it  takes  very  little  to  cable  from  one  island  to  another). 
This  Brother  Finch  did,  and  the  word  was  circulated  all  around. 
We  went  in  the  boat,  which  was  manned  by  the  first  convert  of 
the  work,  a  hearty  fisherman,  abounding  in  good  cheer  and 
greeting.  The  harbor  is  more  beautiful  here  than  at  St. 
Thomas,  large  and  wide,  with  level  fields  sloping  back  from 
the  sea. 

Sister  Hurt,  an  English  missionary  here,  and  another 
worker,  were  the  friends  who  came  aboard  to  meet  us,  and 
they  helped  to  make  the  day  beautiful.  Two  autos  met  the 
boat  on  landing,  a  Ford  and  an  Overland,  and  these  took 
us  to  one  of  the  members  of  the  Mission,  where  they  served  us 
breakfast.  It  was  the  first  food  that  tasted  natural  since  our 
attack  of  seasickness,  and  we  ate  with  a  relish.  This  Sister 
where  we  were  entertained  had  the  bakery  here,  and  this 
bakery  has  been  in  operation  over  sixty  years.  Her  sister  had 
it  from  the  time  she  was  fifteen  years  old  up  to  six  months  ago, 

72 


when  she  died,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven.  She  had  given 
her  Hfe  a  noble  sacrifice  for  the  maintenance  of  her  mother 
and  five  sisters,  and  numerous  nieces  and  nephews.  The 
oven  is  out  in  the  yard,  and  is  buih  of  cement.  The  fire  is 
made  first  inside  of  the  oven,  and  when  it  is  just  exactly 
hot  enough,  the  fire  and  the  ashes  are  swept  entirely  out, 
and  the  bread  put  in.  They  make  the  bread  just  as  we  do, 
but  they  let  it  rise  on  grape  leaves  instead  of  in  tins  or  in 
pans,  and  when  the  bread  comes  out,  it  is  nice  and  brown 
and  appetizing.  They  make  tiny  loaves,  too,  and  sell  them 
for  one  cent  each.  They  said  the  children  want  a  loaf  for 
themselves. 

It  was  not  long  after  breakfast  when  Brother  Mahew 
arrived,  and  after  showing  us  the  Mission  home  and  the  chapel, 
which  were  most  pleasantly  located,  we  were  off  for  a  fifteen- 
mile  ride  to  Christiansted  on  the  other  end  of  the  island,  where 
the  headquarters  of  the  work  is.  We  had  lunch  at  Brother 
Mahew's,  served  so  courteously  and  kindly  by  Sister  Mahew. 
Here  we  found  Sister  Ina  Armstrong,  who  was  a 
student  for  two  years  in  the  Bible  School  twelve 
years  ago.  It  was  such  a  pleasure  to  meet  het.  Edith 
Yewell,  another  one  of  our  old  students,  has  spent  five  faithful 
years  here,  and  is  highly  spoken  of.  Mr.  Armstrong  brought 
us  in  his  Overland  through  the  most  picturesque  and  beautiful 
scenery  imaginable — through  hills  and  valleys,  with  the  blue 
sea  in  the  distance.  We  passed  plantation  after  plantation, 
and  on  the  roads,  precious  black  people  carrying  their  burder.s 
on  their  heads.  The  roads  were  lined  with  palm  and  cocoa- 
nut  trees,  while  the  fine  cement  houses  were  built  on  the  hill- 
sides overlooking  the  sea.  The  principal  products  are  cane, 
cotton  and  corn,  the  sugar  factories  taking  the  place  of  the 
old  mills.  The  sugarcane  stands  in  the  field  two  years  be- 
fore it  is  used.     The  sugar  is  coarse,  and  has  to  be  sent  to 

73 


the  United  States   for  refining.      Brother  Mahew  has  a  good 
work.     He  has  been  established  here  now  three  years. 

•  About  1  :30  o'clock  we  went  to  the  market  place,  the  center 
of  the  town,  for  an  open  air  meeting.  The  judge  had  given 
this  permission  the  day  before.  Here  about  a  hundred  mem- 
bers of  the  Mission  and  possibly  two  hundred  other  listeners, 
gathered  to  hear  the  missionaries,  some  of  the  members  of  the 
Mission  showing  their  appreciation  of  our  coming  by  walking 
great  distances  to  be  present.  How  beautiful  that  crowd  of 
black  saints  looked,  and  how  our  souls  feasted  as  we  heard 
them  sing  and  give  their  testimonies!  Brother  Finch  prayed, 
and  then  he,  with  Brother  Schoombie  and  Brother  King,  spoke 
as  the  Lord  led.  During  this  service  we  were  compelled  to 
sit  in  the  auto,  as  we  were  too  weak  to  take  any  part  in  the 
meeting.  As  we  sat  there  watching  the  crowd  and  praying 
for  the  service,  we  noticed  one  woman  carrying  a  heavy  tray 
of  cakes  on  lOp  of  her  head,  while  another  had  clothes  tied 
together  holding  bottles  of  some  sweet  drink;  still  another  little 
girl  carried  a  tray  of  home-niade  candy,  and  another  a  tray 
of  bread;  another  had  a  tray  of  mangoes,  bananas,  etc. 
The  natives  carry  these  trays  all  the  time,  using  their  head 
instead  of  a  cart. 

The  vessel  was  to  sail  at  4  P.  M.,  and  knowing  that  auto 
tires  sometime  give  out,  we  hurried  away.  The  temperature 
was  76  degrees  in  the  shade,  and  the  auto  return  trip  was 
most  pleasant.  Brother  Mahew  accompanied  us  to  the  vessel, 
and  we  enjoyed  hearing  his  report  of  work  among  the  lepers, 
etc.  Shortly  after  1  o'clock  yesterday  afternoon,  the  Lord 
began  to  touch  me,  and  oh,  what  relief!  The  seasickness 
almost  seems  as  a  nightmare,  but  today  it  is  forgotten  in  the 
change  on  shore.  Methinks  it  will  be  this  way  after  all  the 
testings  are  over  and  we  get  Home  on  the  heavenly  shore. 

74 


z 

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S 

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"When  the  last  feeble  step  has  been  taken, 

And  the  gates  of  that  city  appear, 
When  the  beautiful  song  of  the  angels 

Floats  out  on   my  listening  ear, 
When   all   that   now   seems   so   mysterious 

Will  be  bright  and  as  clear  as  the  day, 
Then  the  toils  of  the  road  will  seem  nothing. 

When  I  get  to  the  end  of  the  way." 

We  are  trying  our  best  to  get  a  post  card  view  of  these 
places  so  that  when  you  visit  the  Cincinnati  Camp  (as  we 
do  want  you  to  be  present  there  in  June  we  can  show  them  to 
you.     This  will  give  you  a  better  idea  than  our  writing. 

Sunset  on  the  ocean !  What  a  sight !  Indescribable !  Too 
much  for  the  pen  of  this  writer.  Read  what  the  poets  say, 
and  then  you  will  understand  something  of  the  glory  and 
effulgence. 

While  busy  writing  this  morning,  suddenly  there  appeared 
before  us  a  tall  young  man,  dressed  in  white,  with  the  Sal- 
vation Army  insignia.  He  was  soliciting  funds  for  the  Salva- 
tion Army  work  that  is  just  opening  here.  We  had  nothing 
but  travelers'  checks.  However,  the  others  gave  him  an  offer- 
ing, and  this  made  up  for  our  lack. 

Nearing  St.  Kitts,  Sunday,  February  10 

We  all  arose  early  this  morning  in  order  to  see  the  sun 
rise  over  the  harbor.  It  is  3:30  o'clock  in  Cincinnati,  but 
here  the  sun  is  peeping  over  the  hills,  and  that  beautiful, 
wonderful  green  island  lies  spread  out  before  us.  Boats  are 
dotting  the  harbor  everywhere.  Oh,  what  a  view  for  those 
who  appreciate  God's  handiwork!  What  a  scene  for  thosa 
who  revel  in  His  creations!  Over  here  we  can  see  Nevis, 
although  it  is  twelve  miles  distant.  The  whole  island  seems 
one  great  mass  of  shaded  green. 

77 


The  ladder  was  lowered  and  the  harbor  master,  in  a  row 
boat  manned  by  six  sailors,  came  aboard..  The  harbor  master 
commands  all  the  ships  as  they  enter  and  leave  these  ports. 
We  can  count  twenty  boats  all  headed  this  way,  but  they 
are  waiting  until  the  harbor  master  permits  them  to  come 
closer  and  their  passengers  to  come  aboard.  In  one  of  the 
boats  is  Brother  Will  Biernes.  He  stands  up  and  shou'.s. 
He  is  so  changed  that  none  of  us  recognized  him  at  first. 
Close  to  him  is  a  large  row  boat  containing  fifty  men,  and 
they  scrambled  up  the  rope  ladder,  tumbling  over  each  other. 
They  are  freight  loaders,  and  have  come  on  board  to  unload. 

We  expected  to  find  Irene  with  Brother  and  Sister  Biernes, 
but  found  that  she  remained  with  Sister  Coone  at  Antigua. 
While  here,  we  learned  that  Brother  Coone  died  of  typhoid 
fever,  but  did  not  get  any  of  the  details.  How  glad  Brother 
Biernes  was  to  see  us,  and  we  rejbiced  to  hear  of  the  work. 
This  is  the  home  of  Brother  Taylor,  one  of  the  students  now 
in  the  Bible  School.  This  is  the  first  time  that  we  have  been 
able  to  walk  the  deck  since  a  week  ago  today,  and  what  a 
comfort  and  joy.  Praise  God!  He  has  surely  touched  us 
physically.  Brother  Beirnes  had  breakfast  with  us,  and  in 
conference  and  prayer,  it  was  decided  to  have  Brother  and 
Sister  King  get  off  here  and  go  to  Nevis,  as  orginally 
planned,  and  with  trunks  and  baggage,  they  leave  us  at  11 
o'clock.  After  the  delay  in  New  York,  we  had  thought  of 
taking  them  on  to  Barbados,  but  Brother  Coone's  Home-going 
changed  everything.  They  left  us  with  loving  goodbys, 
waving  of  handkerchiefs,  and  the  "God  bless  yous"  of  the 
rest  of  us.  We  shall  miss  them,  for  we  have  had  happy  and 
blessed  times  together. 

As  Sister  King  was  going  down  the  ladder,  she  said  play- 
fully, "Be  sure  and  put  in  the  Diary  Letter  that  we  went 
ashore  in  the  boat  named  'Victory,'  "  and  we  know  they  went 

78 


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in  victory,  too.  They  are  to  go  from  here  in  a  sailing  vessel, 
as  their  destination  is  twelve  miles  from  this  port,  and  the 
steamers  do  not  stop  there. 

We  are  to  w^eigh  anchor  again  at  1 2  o'clock.  Passengers 
are  coming  and  going.  First  some  get  on  at  one  stop,  and  then 
others  get  off,  so  we  are  having  a  continual  change.  One  of 
the  most  interesting  personages  we  have  met  is  the  sergeant 
major.  He  comes  on  board  following  the  harbor  master,  and 
in  a  most  masterful  way,  manages  the  loading  and  unloading 
of  the  freight,  the  handling  of  passengers,  etc.  Keen,  shrewd, 
a  trained  reader  of  human  nature,  nothing  seems  to  escape  him. 
He  stands  just  at  the  head  of  the  rope  ladder  and  overlooks 
everything.  A  sailing  boat  at  one  end  of  the  ship  is  taking 
off  lumber.  Something  goes  wrong.  He  rushes  down  the 
deck,  gives  a  command,  in  a  way  that  excites  the  admiration 
of  everyone.  He  treats  the  black  men  very  kindly,  but  firmly, 
and  they  obey  him  instantly.  He  is  a  native,  but  has  had  this 
position  for  twenty  years.  He  stands  at  his  post  from  six  to 
twelve  hours.  He  told  us  that  the  Southern  Cross 
(a  little  sailing  vessel),  had  been  lost  in  one  of  the  recent 
storms,  and  while  thev  telegraphed  everywhere,  nothing  had 
been  seen  or  heard  of  her  or  of  the  crew.  The  captain  and 
crew  of  this  vessel  had  been  so  kind  to  all  the  missionaries,  so 
that  Brother  Finch  feels  the  loss  keenly. 

Antigua,  Monday,  February  1 1 

At  about  5:15  yesterday  afternoon  the  Guiana  dropped 
anchor  three  miles  out  from  shore  in  this  harbor.  A  steam 
launch  meets  the  steamer  here.  Sisters  Blyden  and  Coone 
are  at  Antigua,  and  we  look  for  them  to  meet  us,  though 
not  sure  they  are  aware  of  our  arrival.  As  the  launch  ap- 
proaches we  lean  over  the  deck  rail,  watching  for  them.  Sud- 
denly someone  cries  out,  "There  she  is!"  and  we  all  wave. 

81 


We  saw  Irene  waving  back,  then  suddenly  covered  her  face 
and  wept.  Sister  Coone  and  Wilma,  their  only  child,  are 
with  her.  How  bereaved  these  friends  are!  They  are  soon 
on  board,  with  loving  arms  around  them,  trying  to  cornfort, 
but  only  those  who  have  passed  through  the  depths  of  sorrow 
can  understand  how  inadequate  words  are  at  such  a  time. 
They  tell  us  Brother  Coone  was  ill  only  nine  days— malignant 
fever.  At  first  the  illness  was  not  considered  serious.  He 
had  been  drawn  out  to  trust  God,  and  had  been  so  blessed  in 
doing  it,  both  for  himself  and  his  people,  that  he  had  no 
thought  of  calling  a  physician,  and  scarcely  before  anyone 
could  realize  that  he  was  ill,  he  had  slipped  Home.  All 
we  can  say  is,  God's  ways  are  higher  than  ours.  He  was  one 
of  the  noblest  of  men.  Brother  Finch  says  his  conscientious 
care,  not  only  for  the  souls  of  his  black  people,  but  for 
f  nances  as  well,  made  him  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  workers. 
Self-sacrificing,  tender,  capable  in  all  that  the  word  means, 
everywhere,  from  the  business  class  as  well  as  in  religious  cir- 
cles, we  hear  only  the  kindest  expressions.  We  had  looked 
forward  to  this  meeting,  expecting  to  see  him,  but  it  will  not 
be  long  before  we  meet  above  the  clouds.      For. 

"They  are  gathering  homeward  from  every  land, 
One  by  one,  one  bj  one." 

We  are  to  remain  a  night  and  a  day  at  Antigua,  so  we 
land  before  6  o'clock  in  order  to  be  in  time  for  the  evening 
service.  Brother  Finch  must  attend  to  some  matters  of  busi- 
ness, which  is  more  necessary  because  of  Brother  Coone's 
late  departure.  This  harbor  is  not  so  beautiful  as  the  two 
preceding  ones.  It  has  more  the  appecu-ance  of  a  fort,  but 
has  an  attractiveness  all  its  own.  All  the  scenes  of  interest 
were  pointed  out  to  us. 

82 


I  asked  Irene  how  she  knew  we  had  arrived,  and  she  told 
us  that  at  Sandy  Island,  about  ten  miles  out  from  shore,  is 
a  lighthouse,  and  when  a  ship  reaches  this  island,  they  takf 
down  three  flags  and  put  up  one  square  red  one  at  Rat  Island, 
which  is  nearer  the  town,  and  then  all  know  the  steamer  has 
arrived.  This  is  a  signal,  and  the  launch  immediately  goes 
out.  This  signal  notifies  the  people,  and  when  the  launch 
arrives  the  pier  and  shore  are  lined  with  those  waiting  to  see 
and  meet  the  passengers.  We  were  glad  of  the  friendly 
shelter  of  evening  to  hide  us  from  the  view  of  such  a  crowd 
of  spectators,  but  Irene  told  us  that  the  whole  island  was 
aware  of  our  arrival. 

We  walked  to  the  Mission,  a  splendid  building.  Above 
the  Mission  is  an  apartment  for  the  missionaries — six  or  seven 
rooms,  light  and  airy.  After  lunch,  we  went  below  into  the 
Mission  hall,  and  what  a  congregation!  Irene  presided  at 
the  piano,  and  how  precious  to  be  in  a  service  with  her  again. 
The  people  here  know  how  to  sing.  It  was  surely  like  home 
to  see  "Mounting  Up"  song  books.  Brother  Finch  prayed, 
and  the  presence  of  God  was  marvelously  real.  He  had 
prayed  before  the  service  until  he  was  lifted  above  the  loss 
of  Brother  Coone,  and  was  in  a  position  to  exhort  the  con- 
gregation to  look  up  and  see  God,  and  to  go  on  with  Him 
as  leader  and  teacher.  Brother  Schoombie  followed  Brother 
Finch  with  a  message  on  "Looking  unto  Jesus,"  and  one 
dear  soul  was  blessedly  sanctified.  Here  we  slept  on  our  first 
"covered"  bed.  Down  here  the  people  do  not  have  screens 
for  the  windows,  but  around  the  bed,  about  three  feet  high, 
they  build  a  special  frame-work,  and  then  cover  this  with 
mosquito  netting.  No  one  could  realize  how  very  welcome 
the  large,  cool  bed  was  to  our  tired  bodies,  especially  after 
the  narrow  quarters  of  the  steamer.  The  missionary  home 
and  .chapel  is  in  the  heart  of  the  city,  and  so  of  course  there 

83 


was  much  noise  all  night,  and  we  were  awakened  quite  often. 
Sometime  in  the  night  a  rooster  or  two  crowed.  All  at  once 
it  seemed  as  if  every  rooster  on  the  island  were  crowing  at  the 
same  time.  Such  a  chorus,  but  to  us  it  was  beautiful  music. 
We  had  been  hearing  the  splashing  of  the  great  waves,  the 
lashing  of  the  storm,  and  now  what  a  change!  About  3 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  some  twenty  men  gathered  to  move 
a  house  that  is  located  just  across  the  street  from  the  Mission 
home,  so  you  can  understand  we  had  little  rest  after  that. 
Here  people  cv,n  iheir  hcrr.es,  but  they  h?.ve  them  on  rented 
ground^squatters,  we  call  them  at  home.  If  they  like  another 
piece  of  ground  or  a  better  location  than  the  one  where  they 
have  stopped,  they  just  pick  up  the  house,  move  it,  and  go 
to  the  new  location.  They  place  the  house  on  rollers,  then 
the  leader  starts  off,  "Billy  John  in  Baltimore,  A — ^A — ^A!" 
and  as  he  chants  out  this,  each  man  responds,  "A — A — A!" 
Even  if  there  are  a  hundred  men,  they  chant  that  "A — A — 
A"  in  perfect  harmony,  and  at  the  same  time  give  a  long 
pull,  and  this  moves  the  house  a  little  ways.  They  keep  this 
up  until  the  house  is  moved  to  the  ground  chosen,  all  the  time 
the  crowd  increasing,  until  sometimes  there  are  as  many  as 
a  hundred  helping.  Irene  called  us  up  to  see  it.  They  move 
in  the  night  so  as  not  to  block  the  streets  in  the  daytime.  It 
was  such  a  strEuige  sight. 

Brother  Finch  has  had  a  long  talk  with  Sister  Coone  and 
Sister  Blyden,  and  attended  to  some  important  business,  while 
Brother  Schoombie  went  out  to  the  steamer  and  brought  Sister 
Finch  and  the  family  ashore,  as  we  are  all  to  have  dinner 
here,  leaving  again  at  4  P.  M.  We  spent  the  morning  writing, 
and  then  had  a  shower  bath  in  a  little  room  bu!lt  down  in  the 
basement  with  a  cement  floor.  What  a  treat,  and  how  the 
workers  need  these  baths  to  keep  them  in  health!  The 
weather  here  is  like  our  hottest  July  days  at  home,  but, there 

84 


Mission,  Antigua 


is  a  stiff  breeze  from  the  sea,  so  we  do  not  realize  how  very 
warm  it  is. 

All  the  party  are  interested  in  the  Diary  Letter,  and  every 
little  bit  one  or  another  suggests  something  that  ought  to  be 
in  it.  We  do  desire  that  every  REVIVALIST  reader  shall 
enjoy  reading  these  lines,  as  we  enjoy  penning  them.  We 
shall  mail  this  letter  at  Antigua,  and  we  do  ask  your  prayers 
very  specially.  Sister  Irene  Blyden  will  soon  return  to  Nevis, 
he-   sland  of  wcrk,  and  we  shall  meet  her  in  meetings  there. 


87 


CHAPTER  VII 
Among  "The-  Islands" — Continued 

Tuesday,  February)  12 

After  having  spent  a  most  beautiful,  restful  day  with  Sister 
Blyden  and  Sister  Coone,  we  left  the  Mission  house  at  3:30 
and  are  now  at  sea.  Sister  Coone  was  much  comforted  by 
the  visit,  and  both  she  and  Irene  enjoyed  the  Finch  children. 
We  did  not  see  much  of  the  town  or  of  the  people  here.  We 
expect  to  return  again,  and  then  will  tell  you  some  more.  As 
we  returned  to  the  vessel,  the  launch  was  crowded.  The 
captain,  purser,  physician,  wireless  operators,  and  many  of 
the  passengers,  like  ourselves,  had  spent  the  day  ashore,  and 
now  we  were  all  returning. 

When  we  were  leaving  New  York,  two  elderly  friends 
gave  us  a  box  for  the  children.  They  were  to  open  it  after 
we  had  been  out  several  days  on  the  sea,  and  especially  after 
they  were  over  the  seasickness.  How  the  children  desired  that 
box!  They  could  scarcely  contain  their  curiosity.  Daniel 
was  so  happy  when  the  time  came  to  open  it  that  he  jumped 
up  and  down  till  he  tumbled  clear  over.  And  what  do  you 
think  the  box  contained?  Little  animal  crackers,  candies  and 
cards  for  each  child.  How  the  children  enjoyed  their  presents, 
and  how  gladly  they  shared  them  with  the  rest  of  us!  How 
little  it  takes  to  make  a  child  happy!  What  insignificant 
things  (to  us)  seem  to  delight  the  heart  of  one  of  God's 
little  ones!      How  careful  we  ought  to  be  to  consider  them. 

Now,  I  want  to  tell  you  another  beautiful  thing.  Just 
before  we  left  New  York,   Sister  Standley   rushed  to   us   a 

88 


box  containing  a  dressed  dolly,  and  a  whole  extra  outfit  for 
her.  One  of  the  little  girls  of  the  REVIVALIST  Family  had 
fixed  the  dolly  for  a  child  in  Japan,  but  as  none  of  the 
missionaries  was  going  out  at  that  time,  she  wrote  the  little 
girl,  then  sent  the  dolly  on  to  us;  so  I  wrote  her  I  would 
hold  it  until  we  were  all  on  board,  and  some  day,  when  the 
children  were  tired  and  needed  somthing  to  divert  their  atten- 
tion, I  would  bring  it  out.  I  told  this  to  Sister  Finch,  but 
she  says  that  instead  of  the  chilA'en  having  it,  we  will  give 
it  to  some  child  down  there  in  the  Islands,  who  has  never 
had  a  doll.  So,  wh!le  I  was  disappointed  in  not  letting  our 
little  folks  nurse  it  and  dress  it,  yet  I  want  the  child  who 
reads  this  letter  to  remember  that  her  baby  is  being  taken 
care  of  and  mothered  by  some  little  girl  who  has  never  had 
a  dolly  of  her  own.  I  do  hope  that  little  girl  will  be  pleased. 
I  had  planned  on  having  a  Diary  Letter  sent  each  week, 
but  the  ships  are  being  taken  off,  and  the  mail  service  is  slow, 
so  that  we  may  be  delayed.  However,  I  will  write  them 
weekly  arid  give  you  everything  possible,  so  that  when  the 
Diary  Letters  do  come,  you  can  follow  our  movements. 

Guadalupe,  11  a.  m. 

We  anchored  here  this  morning  at  6:30.  This  is  a  French 
harbor,  and  was  discovered  at  the  same  time  as  Nova  Scotia. 
How  run  down  and  dilapidated  the  island  looks.  This  is 
because  of  a  recent  hurricane.  We  cannot  find  a  thing  at  all 
attractive  about  the  place.  Sugarcane  is  the  principal  prod- 
uct, although  -they  raise  beans  which,  when  boiled,  give  the 
pure  vanilla  extract.  At  last  I  have  tasted  a  sappedilla. 
This  sappedilla  looks  just  like  our  sickle  pears  at  home,  only 
is  russet  color,  and  unlike  our  pears  in  taste.  The  guava  is 
delicious.  This  island  has  1 90,000  inhabitants,  all  Roman 
Catholic.      There  are  no  other   denominations  working  here. 

89 


The  harbor  master,  police,  and  all  officers  are  French,  and 
as  they  talked  French  to  us  we  could  not  understand. 

Wednesday,  February  1 3 

We  remained  here  at  Guadalupe  over  the  night,  as  there 
was  so  much  freight  aboard  they  could  not  unload  in  less 
than  a  day, — and  a  peep  into  the  hold  of  the  ship  is  one  of 
the  sights  of  the  ship.  Really,  this  is  a  great  warehouse  afloat, 
a  warehouse  of  four  floors.  We  have  been  carrying  cement, 
and  have  had  on  board  4,500  barrels.  We  left  at  6:30, 
but  the  winds  were  high  and  the  swells  heavy,  and  people 
began  to  get  seasick.  This  put  a  fear  on  us  that  we  would 
not  again  escape,  but  immediately  we  looked  to  the  Lord, 
and  He  gave  the  promise,  "What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will 
trust  in  thee."  And  again  the  promise  came,  "He  led  them 
on  safely,  without  fear."  Hallelujah!  After  three  hours 
of  these  high  winds  and  heavy  swells,  the  sea  is  calm,  and 
here  we  are,  all  on  deck,  praising  the  Lord  for  deliverance. 

We  have  searched  the  Bible,  trying  to  find  something  that 
would  fittingly  describe  this  wonderful  ocean.  We  surely 
thought  that  David  would  burst  forth  somewhere  in  one  of 
his  magnificent  Psalms,  describing  God's  great  sea,  but  can 
find  nothing  that  exactly  answers  our  desire.  How  can  we 
describe  this  great,  restless,  moving,  never-ceasing,  boundless, 
wind-swept,  wave-swelling  ocean!  We  can  only  liken  it  to 
God's  great,  fathomless,  bottomless,  boundless  love — love  for 
all  mankind!  Surely  Doctor  Godbey  names  it  rightly  when 
he  says  the  sea  air  and  the  sea  bathing  are  parts  of  God's  great 
sanitarium. 

Thursday,  February  14 

We  reached  Dominique  at  about  12  o'clock  yesterday, 
and  remained  until  3  A.  M.  today.     As  we  could  not  anchor 

90 


in  close  to  the  pier,  the  freight  had  to  be  sent  in  on  boats, 
and  this  took  longer  time  in  unloading.  All  of  these  isl£inds 
are  volcanic.  There  are  two  craters  here.  Three  hundred 
and  sixty-five  little  streams  come  from  the  mountains,  and  one 
stream  runs  right  through  the  center  of  the  town,  thus  helping 
to  keep  it  sanitary.  This,  too,  is  a  Roman  Catholic  island, 
and  although  the  population  is  1  60,000,  there  is  no  Protestant, 
— -no  Full  Salvation  work  here.  Oh,  that  God  would  give 
us  workers  and  give  us  means!  The  need,  the  crying  need 
of  consecrated  men  and  women,  and  of  consecrated  money! 

Now,  here  is  a  problem  for  the  children:  When  we  dropped 
anchor,  they  told  us  we  were  in  thirty-three  fathoms  of  water. 
How  deep  is  that? 

This  is  a  long  island  and  most  beautiful.  The  hills  and 
mountains  are  always  green,  while  the  great  harbor  is  the 
largest  we  have  entered.  The  island  is  famous  for  its  fruits, 
especially  the  limes — the  finest  in  the  West  Indies.  The  lime 
oil  is  sent  to  the  United  States  and  England.  Late  in  the 
afternoon,  when  it  was  not  quite  so  warm.  Brother  and  Sister 
Finch  with  us  visited  the  Botanical  Gardens,  and  they  con- 
stitute one  of  the  most  beautiful  spots  on  earth.  I  cannot 
describe  it  to  you;  I  can  only  tell  you  that  here  are  trees 
and  shrubbery  of  very  tropical  description.  We  tried  to  get 
some  pictures,  but  were  only  able  to  obtain  'a  few  cards. 
Here  we  find  the  tree  that  grows  coffee  beans,  vanilla,  cocoa- 
nut  and  nutmeg.  A  friend  kindly  gave  us  a  sample  of 
coffee  and  nutmeg  beans.  The  nutmeg  has  a  shell  similar  to 
a  walnut,  and  when  it  r  pens,  opens  half  way,  and  the  red  is, 
indeed,  a  beautiful  sight.  The  governor  of  the  island  has 
his  home  right  in  the  gardens,  so  you  can  'magine  how  beautiful 
are  his  surroundings. 

It  is  now  9:30,  and  we  are  at  Martinique.     Will  be  here 
all  day.     A  big  transport,  packed  with  troops,  passed  us  a 

91 


few  minutes  ago.  We  do  not  know  her  destination.  The 
islands  have  given  thousands  of  their  young  men  to  the  war, 
so  that  laborers  are  scarce,  and  for  this  reason  the  ships  are 
a  long  time  in  loading  and  unloading  freight.^  The  harbor 
here  at  Martinique  is  most  beautiful.  It  is  filled  with 
schooners.  I  have  never  seen  so  many,  and  they  are  nearly 
all  three-masted  ones. 

We  have  been  watching  a  busy  crowd  of  people  on  the 
hillside  in  the  distance.  It  is  a  quarry,  and  women  are  carry- 
ing the  stones  to  the  place  of  building.  Women  seem  to  be 
the  beasts  of  burden  everywhere  we  have  been.  They  come 
in  processions,  with  their  loads  on  their  heads.  God  bless 
every  one  of  them,  and  help  us  to  introduce  them  to  the  Bur- 
den-bearer ! 

We  have  had  a  nice  talk  with  our  wireless  operator.  He 
tells  us  he  feels  out  of  place,  that  he  ought  to  be  preparing 
for  the  ministry.  Brother  Finch  also  had  an  interview  with 
him,  and  gave  him  one  of  the  Bible  School  catalogues.  He 
is  considering  entering  the  School,  if  he  can  be  released  from 
this  service,  so  do  remember  and  especially  pray  for  him. 

Do  I  hear  some  of  my  good  sisters  (and  brethren,  too,)  say, 
"What  do  you  have  to  eat?"  Do  not  be  embarassed,  for 
everyone  l.kes  to  know  that.  Below  we  give  you  one  menu 
for  the  noonday  lunch: 

Olives  Beef  broth  Pickled  Onions 

Baked    fish  Butter    sauce 

Pigs'     feet  Braised    beef 

Mashed  or  boiled  potatoes 

Roast  beef         Cold  meats         Bologna  sausage 

Lettuce 

Cottage  pudding  Stewed  apricots 

Tea  Coffee 

92 


Sounds  good,  doesn't  it?  But  with  the  odors  and  sights  on 
shipboard,  and  the  fact  that  nearly  everything  is  from  cold 
storage,  one  soon  becomes  sickened  of  the  food  and,  in  fact, 
we  pos'tively  loathed  it  at  times.  It  is  hard  to  explain,  but 
a  simple  meal  on  land  is  far  preferable.  We  have  enjoyed 
and  eaten  many  a  meal  in  the  farm  homes  in  adjacent  States 
that  we  would  not  exchange  for  one  of  these.  Do  I  hear 
some  over-tired  housewife  say,  "Well,  I  wish  I  could  sit 
down  to  one  that  I  didn't  have  to  plan  for  and  cook"?  How 
we  wish  you  could;  but  cheer  up,  if  you  are  in  your  Father's 
will.  He  will  make  a  chemge  for  you,  or  give  grace  and 
glory  to  be  contented  in  your  lot. 

Friday,  February;  15 

An  hour  ago  we  left  Martinique.  The  scheduled  time 
was  2  A.  M.,  but  we  were  delayed.  Everything  is  still.  The 
sea  is  calm,  and  it  is  a  wonderful  morning. 

Yesterday  was  an  eventful  day.  A  Frenchman,  one  of 
the  passengers  on  board,  arremged  to  have  a  party  of  us  see 
Mt.  Pelee,  the  volcano  whose  eruption,  about  twelve  years 
ago^  destroyed  the  little  city  of  St.  Pierre,  with  its  35,000 
inhabitants.  We  rode  to  the  Martinique  pier  in  a  row  boat, 
through  a  choppy  sea,  but  this  is  the  only  time  we  have  known 
it  rough  in  a  harbor.  This  is  the  largest  city  on  any  of  the 
islands  that  we  have  yet  visited.  It  has  a  population  of  about 
38,000.  While  the  streets  are  narrow,  they  are  laid  out 
evenly,  and  the  houses  and  stores  are  just  the  same.  They 
are  all  built  right  close  together.  The  Hotel  de  France  and 
post-office  face  the  oceem.  The  hotel  is  surronded  by  a 
beautiful  park,  and  in  the  center  of  the  park  is  a  monument 
of  Josephine,  wife  of  Napoleon. 

We  were  supposed  to  go  to  Mt.  Pelee  at  10:30,  but  had 
to   wait,   instead,   until    1    P.  M.      Seated   in   a   little  outdoor 

93 


summer  house,  we  watched  and  studied  the  people.  All 
seemed  to  speak  French,  so  that  we  could  not  understand  what 
they  were  saying  and,  truly,  we  felt  like  a  stranger  in  a  strange 
land.  We  were  especially  impressed  by  a  small  launch  which 
came  in  from  a  near-by  island,  crowded  with  people  and  carry- 
ing a  large  cargo.  These  folks  passed  us  single  file,  the  women 
carrying  the  heaviest  burdens — great  baskets  of  bananas, 
oranges,  figs,  vegetables,  etc., — barefooted,  half-clad,  with 
red-colored  turbans.  Oh,  what  a  sight!  Two  porkers  were 
led  off,  long,  lank  and  lean,  so  strange  looking  we  really 
enquired  what  they  were.  We  are  sure  our  Indiana  and  Ken- 
tucky farmers  and  their  hogs  would  not  recognize  or  tolerate 
them  on  their  premises.  We  wanted  some  oranges,  and  seeing 
one  of  the  colored  women  with  a  large  tray,  asked  her  how 
much.  Neither  of  us  could  understand  what  the  other  said, 
and  she  seemed  to  feel  that  our  looks  betokened  deception, 
so  giving  up  in  despair,  we  went  to  a  man  who  looked  as  if 
he  might  understand  us.  Asking,  "Do  you  speak  English?" 
he  answered,  "A  little,  madam."  He  explained  the  oranges 
were  one  cent  apiece.  As  my  friend  from  the  ship,  who  also 
desired  oranges,  had  only  some  English  coins,  the  woman  was 
evidently  suspicious  of  us,  for  both  the  man  and  woman  talked 
erxitedly  for  some  time,  and  before  we  could  scarcely  realize 
what  had  transpired,  he  paid  her,  tipped  h !s  hat  to  us,  and 
was  gone.  We  did  not  know  what  to  think,  but  we  knew 
she  was  paid,  and  we  had  no  opportunity  to  thank  him  for 
so  kindly  treating  us. 

While  we 'were  eating  our  oranges  in  the  summer  house, 
some  of  the  party  went  to  get  lunch  in  the  near-by  hotel,  but 
what  a  laughing  time  we  had  afterward!  The  menu  cards 
were  all  in  French,  so  that  they  did  not  know  what  to  order. 
Finally  they  decided  to  let  the  waiter  bring  everything,  and 
then   they  ate  what  they  could. 

94 


o 

H 
CU 

D 

UX 

H 

a: 
o 
u. 

CQ 

a: 


en 


/•!*»-i 


At  1  p.  M.  we  were  off  in  an  Overland  for  a  sixty-mile 
ride  around  and  near  to  the  volcano.  It  was  a  wonderful 
ride;  the  tropical  foliage  covering  the  sides  of  the  mountains, 
ferns,  gorgeous  trees — all  a  mass  of  indescribable  green.  The 
road  was  like  a  double  "S,"  winding  in  and  out  and  around, 
until  two  of  our  passengers  were  so  much  frightened,  and 
one  we  thought  would  faint.  They  wanted  the  machine  to 
return  to  the  city,  as  our  chaffeur  was  French,  and  we  were 
absolutely  helpless.  Finally,  with  signs.  Brother  Finch  made  h'm 
to  understand  that  we  wanted  h  m  to  go  slower.  The  depths, 
hundreds  of  feet  below,  as  we  looked  over  the  edge  of  the 
road  down  sheer  precipices,  were  frightful  to  look  at,  and 
going  at  the  speed  we  were,  it  was  no  wonder  some  felt  more 
or  less  nervous.  For  miles  we  would  not  see  a  single  house; 
then  suddenly  we  would  come  into  a  little  village  with  bam- 
boo houses  and  thatched  roofs,  banana  groves,  fig  trees,  and 
heavily  loaded  orange  trees. 

We  have  here  the  continual  showers  like  they  had  at 
Guadalupe,  and  they  keep  the  mountain  slopes  always  fresh 
and  green.  I  wish  I  could  describe  to  you  the  views  as  we 
rounded  the  mountains.  All  along  up  this  mountain  road 
there  were  little  shrines,  some  as  small  as  bird  houses.  These 
were  built  in  the  earth.  Then  there  were  small  images  of 
Christ,  and  images  of  Christ  on  the  cross.  How  our  hearts 
went  out  to  the  people,  as  we  thought  of  them  bowing  down 
to  these  images  and  worshiping,  not  our  Christ,  but  the  god 
they  had  heard  of.  How  we  longed  to  get  them  the  message 
of  real  salvation,  and  we  do  believe  that  God  is  going  to  give 
us  the  opportunity,  and  not  in  the  far  future,  either.  We  want 
to  stir  up  the  REVIVALIST  Family  so  that  they  will  take  the 
burden  of  these  islands  on  their  hearts  and  help  us  to  evan- 
gelize them  "in  this  generation." 

97 


After  an  hour's  upward  climbing,  we  went  down  the  other 
side  of  the  mountain  till  we  reached  St.  Pierre.  The  ruins 
of  St.  Pierre  have  been  only  partially  rebuilt.  This  city  was 
called  "The  Second  Paris,"  and  was  one  of  the  most  wicked 
cities  on  earth.  At  the  time  of  the  awful  disaster  there  were 
thousands  of  barrels  of  molasses  there,  and  this  molasses  was 
to  have  been  used  in  making  whisky.  There  was  a  terrible 
combustion.  The  fire  broke  out,  and  everything  alive  for  miles 
and  miles  around  was  killed.  Even  vessels  at  sea  were  utterly 
destroyed.  We  got  out  of  the  machine  for  a  few  moments 
and  picked  a  stone  from  the  ruins  of  the  old  church,  gathered 
some  ferns  from  the  lava  and  ashes,  as  we  want  these  for  the 
cabinet  at  home.  How  dreadful  it  seemed  to  stand  there  and 
realize  that  so  short  a  time  ago  35,000  people  had  been  buried 
alive.  Right  in  a  side  street,  near  where  we  pulled  a  fern, 
water  gushed  out  of  the  earth,  making  one  wonder  if  it  is 
safe  to  stay  where  such  pressures  struggle  beneath.  Five 
thousand  feet  above  our  head  the  great  crater  lies  open, 
while  steam  constantly  r.'ses  from  the  top  and  oozes  at  the 
sides.  From  what  we  saw  and  heard  while  there,  the  moral 
condition  of  the  people  is  the  same  as  before  the  eruption. 
This  proves  judgment  does  not  change  morals.  It  takes  the 
BLOOD  OF  JESUS— nothing  less.  Do  pray  with  us  for 
workers  and  funds  to  evangelize  these  fields  before  thousands 
more  are  hurled  into  eternity  without  having  had  the  light. 
The  natives  are  clearing  away  the  ashes,  putting  roofs  on  the 
old  walls  and  re-populating  the  city  rapidly.  Four  years  ago 
about  five  hundred  people  lived  here,  while  we  now  found 
the  main  street  cleared  of  ashes  the  whole  length,  and  a  grow- 
ing population  of  over  two  thousand  people.  Here,  again, 
we  could  not  make  the  people  understand  us,  but  finally  found 
a  man  who  could  speak  a  little  English.  He  would  not  take 
our  Americeui  money,  but  gave  us  some  card  views  of  the 

98 


city  before  the  catastrophe  and  afterward.  When  the  volcano 
erupted,  this  man  was  away  from  St.  Pierre,  and  his  whole 
family  were  buried  under  the  lava  and  ashes.  He  now  has 
another  home,  and  the  little  tots  tried  to  talk  to  us,  but  we 
could  not  understand  one  word  they  said.  However,  every- 
where we  find  there  is  one  language  understood,  and  that 
language  is  known  the  world  over — a  friendly  smile.  Then, 
too,  little  children  are  the  same.  Give  them  a  penny,  and 
their  eyes  dance  and  smile  back  at  you. 

The  return  trip  was,  indeed,  delightful,  and  was  specially 
enlivened  by  two  or  three  hard  showers  of  rain,  and  one  of 
oranges.  Making  a  short  turn  in  the  road,  we  saw  twp  or 
three  natives  standing  in  front  of  a  house,  holding  large  stems 
of  oranges,  and  just  as  the  machine  got  up  to  them,  they  threw 
them  to  us. 

When  about  three  miles  from  the  steamer,  out  in  the  sub- 
urbs of  the  city,  going  at  full  speed,  we  suddenly  heard  a 
harsh,  grating  sound  and,  looking  back,  saw  one  of  our  tires 
bounding  in  the  air.  How  thankful  we  were  this  did  not 
occur  in  the  mountains!  Only  the  work  of  a  few  minutes, 
and  the  tire  was  repaired,  and  we  were  on  board  in  time  for 
dinner  at  6  o'clock. 


99 


CHAPTER    VIII 
Beautiful  Barbados 

St.  Lucia,  Friday,  February  15 

We  arrived  at  St.  Lucia  at  2  P.  M.  This  is  by  far  the 
most  beautiful  yet  of  all  the  harbors,  totally  different  from  any 
of  the  others  in  appearance.  As  you  enter,  the  land  on  both 
sides  nearly  comes  together.  This  land  slopes  upward,  form- 
ing hills  and  mountains  on  both  sides,  and  they  are  cultivated 
and  strikingly  beautiful.  The  Government  House,  fort,  signal 
station,  lighthouse,  soldiers'  barracks,  and  large  homes  give 
the  slopes  a  very  prosperous  appearance,  while  the  view  is 
superb.  St.  Lucia  is  famous  for  its  picturesque  appearance, 
entering  from  the  sea,  but  thousands  upon  thousands  of  precious 
black  people  here  need  God.  This  is  the  last  island  at  which 
we  stop  before  reaching  Barbados.  It  is  a  coaling  station 
for  all  the  vessels  going  to  and  fro.  Even  the  African  steamers 
stop  here  for  coal.  This  is  one  of  the  islands  where  Brother 
Finch  is  so  eager  to  open  a  Full  Salvation  Mission,  and  we 
are  asking  God  for  the  workers  and  the  money.  This,  too, 
is  a  Naval  base  for  the  British,  and  the  island  is  strongly 
fortified.  What  a  privilege  it  would  be  to  preach  to  the 
Canadian  soldiers  here,  as  well  as  to  the  natives!  Shall  we 
do  it?  Is  there  not  some  member  of  the  REVIVALIST  Family 
who  wants  to  open  a  Mission  in  St.  Lucia?  Is  there  not  some 
other  member  of  the  RevIVALIST  Family  who  wants  to  regu- 
larly support  a  worker  here?     Shall  we  do  it? 

100 


We  were  told  to  get  our  packing  all  ready,  that  by  morning 
we  may  not  be  able  to  pack — counting  on  a  rough  sea  tonight. 
What  a  delight  the  past  week  has  been — tree  from  seasickness 
and  heart  weakness! 

We  went  out  for  a  walk  at  4  P.  M.,  through  the  streets 
of  the  town.  As  we*  wanted  to  get  some  little  items,  we 
visited  one  of  the  drygoods  stores,  and  after  a  lengthy  dis- 
cussion, they  finally  produced  what  we  could  use.  They  told 
us  the  price  in  English  money.  Then  we  asked,  "What  is 
it  in  American  money?"  "Twenty-two  cents,  ma'am."  Th's 
time  we  happened  to  have  some  English  money.  Then  they 
figured  again,  and  said  it  was  thirty-two  cents  a  yard.  We 
did  not  know  which  was  the  right  price,  so  we  paid  what 
they  asked.  Before  leaving  our  ship  we  had  to  get  a  permit 
to  land,  'and  they  told  us  not  to  go  beyond  the  c'ty 
limits.  Walking  on  to  what  we  supposed  were  the  gardens, 
we  were  suddenly  stopped  by  an  officer,  who  asked  to  see  our 
permits,  and  told  us  we  were  going  beyond  the  city  limits. 
Retracing  our  steps,  we  met  our  first  funeral  cortege,  and 
stopped  to  watch  it  pass.  They  told  us  that  people  here,  if 
they  die  in  the  morning,  are  buried  the  same  afternoon,  be- 
cause of  the  heat.  The  hearse  was  such  a  crude  affair,  with 
a  black  box  on  top  of  it,  while  the  sides  looked  like  the  oven 
doors  of  a  gasoline  stove,  only  larger.  The  casket  seemed 
to  be  made  of  pine  wood,  painted  a  peculiar  yellow.  The 
poor  little  wreathes  resting  on  the  casket  and  on  the  outsides 
of  the  hearse  looked  like  our  little  blue  and  white  wild  flowers 
at  home — ch,  so  pitifully  poor!  The  mourners — about  twenty- 
five  of  them — walked.  Suddenly  the  procession  stopped;  the 
church  bell  was  ringing,  and  the  priests,  with  three  black  and 
white-robed  chanters,  carrying  candles  in  long,  white  glass 
candlesticks,  came  out  to  meet  the  procession,  and  together 
they  went  into  the  church.      How  we  wanted  to  attend  the 

101 


service,  but  it  was  time  to  return  to  the  ship  and  we  had  to 
forbear.  Sad!  sad!  Without  God — what  desolation!  Oh, 
the  need  of  the  Gospel !  Oh,  the  need  of  these  benighted  ones ! 
Baby  Bessie  Standley  is  two  years  old  today.  We  took 
her  photo  down  to  the  breakfast  table,  and  celebrated  her 
birthday  that  much  anyway.  How  ,we  should  like  to  toss 
her  up  into  the  air  just  once! 

Saturday,  February  16 

It  is  4  A.  M.  We  awakened  at  3.  To  our  surprise,  we 
are  finding  that  nearly  all  the  passengers  are  troubled  the 
same  way — sleepless.  We  are  not  averaging  five  hours  a 
night,  while  this  past  one  has  been,  indeed,  a  wild  one — high 
winds,  great  billows,  rolling  and  tossing  ship,  but,  thank  God! 
it  is  growing  quieter  now,  and  no  one  is  sick.  We  spent  the 
evening  on  deck,  and  "Moonlight  on  the  Water"  describes 
it  more  beautifully  than  we  can  put  in  words.  The  soft,  shim- 
mering rays  athwart  the  waters,  the  peculiar  brilliancy  cf  the 
stars,  the  splashing  of  th°  waves,  give  a  charm  that  we  are 
loath  to  leave.  Surely,  here  "the  heavens  declare  the  glory 
of  God;  and  the  firmament  showeth  His  handiwork.  Day 
unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto  night  showeth  knowl- 
edge. There  is  no  speech  nor  language,  where  their  voice  is 
not  heard."     Hallelujah! 

Barbados,  Saturday),  a.  m. 

"They  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in  sh'ps,  that  do  business 
in  great  waters,  these  see  the  works  of  the  Lord  and  His 
wonders  in  the  deep. 

"For  He  commandeth  and  raiseth  the  stormy  wind,  which 
lifteth  up  the  waves  thereof. 

"They  mount  up  to  the  heaven,  they  go  down  again  to  tha 
depths;  their  soul  is  melted  because  of  trouble. 

102 


"They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  stagger  like  a  drunken  man, 
and  are  at  their  wits  end.   (How  true.) 

"Then  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  He 
bringeth  them  out  of  their  distresses. 

"He  maketh  the  storm  a  calm,  so  that  the  waves  thereof 
are  still.      (He  did.) 

"Then  are  they  glad  because  they  be  quiet;  so  He  bringeth 
them  unto  their  desired  haven." 

We  feel  like  saying  with  David  this  morning,  "O  that  men 
would  praise  the  Lord  for  His  goodness,  and  for  His  won- 
derful works  to  the  children  of  men!"  Here  we  are  at  Bar- 
bados, safe,  well  and  happy.  We  are  all  packed  up  and  our 
baggage  on  deck,  ready  and  watching  for  the  first  glimpse 
from  the  shore.  We  are  expecting  Brothers  Slater  and  Beirnes 
to  come  out  to  meet  us.  The  harbor  master,  police  and  pilot 
are  all  on  board,  our  passports  have  been  examined,  and  we 
have  the  permission  to  land.  About  7:45  the  two  brethren 
came  in  sight,  and  what  a  glad  waving  of  handkerchiefs! 
How  graciously  they  welcomed  us  as  Bible  School  "Mother." 
They  tell  us  it  is  almost  too  good  to  be  true,  to  see  us  here, 
and  they  can  scarcely  believe  their  eyes.  God  gave  us  favor 
with  the  Customs  officers.  What  a  comfort!  Brother  Slater 
has  his  Ford  at  the  pier,  and  we  are  soon  off  through  the  city 
of  Bridgetown  for  Brother  Beirnes'  home.  Sister  Beirnes  is 
not  looking  at  all  well.  We  scarcely  recognized  her.  How 
much  they  need  a  change,  and  they  want  to  return  to  the 
homeland  with  us.  They  have  been  out  here  now  five  years, 
and  in  this  continuous  hot  climate,  five  years  is  a  long  time. 
Sister  Beirnes  gave  us  such  a  nice  dinner;  it  made  us  feel 
like  home.  Then  we  took  a  run  in  the  machine,  out  to  see 
Sister  Slater  and  the  children.  The  Slaters  had  to  leave 
Demarara,  South  America,  as  both  were  failing  physically. 
Demarara  is  malarial,   and   it  means  much   for  an  American 

103 


missionary  to  live  there,  but  they  are  much  better  now,  and 
slowly  gaining.  They  have  a  house  by  the  sea.  The  water 
laps  their  back  steps  when  the  tide  is  in,  and  all  bathe  twice 
a  day  amd  are  feeling  the  effects  of  the  salt  water.  Even  the 
baby  girl,  only  nine  months  old,  likes  the  surf. 

Before  telling  you  of  the  city,  the  work,  etc.,  we  want  to 
tell  you  of  some  of  the  people  we  met  on  board  the  steamer. 
There  was  one  old  couple  between  seventy-five  and  eighty, 
but  so  delightful,  happy  and  young  in  spirit  that  we  all  loved 
them.  They  were  called  "Grandpa  and  Grandma"  by  all 
our  party.  They  impressed  us  so  much  that  we  asked  for  a 
photo,  that  we  might  keep  it.  They  are  going  to  send  us 
one  when  they  were  children,  and  then  a  new  one  in  their 
old  age.  They  live  near  Boston,  and  expect  to  return  soon. 
Both  are  Christians.  Then,  too,  Mrs.  Kate  Douglas  Wiggins 
was  on  board,  but  her  identity  was  not  known  until  within 
three  days  of  land.  She  wanted  seclusion  and  quiet.  She  is 
the  author  of  twenty  books,  among  them  a  number  for  chil- 
dren: "Mother  Carey's  Chickens,"  "Rebecca,  of  Sunny  Brook 
Farm,"  "The  Bird's  Christmas  Carol,"  and  others.  While 
sitting  alone  enjoying  the  moonlight,  last  night,  she  sought 
an  interview  with  us,  and  we  want  to  share  it  with  you.  A 
great  lover  of  children,  she  had  studied  and  watched  the  little 
Finch  family  for  the  two  weeks  on  board,  and  wanted  to 
express  her  respect  and  love  for  them.  She  said  their  lives 
spoke  louder  than  sermons,  and  her  secretary  told  us  later 
that  she  had  remarked  after  meeting  Mrs.  Finch,  "There  is  a 
'Mother  Cary.'  "  We  want  to  drop  this  bunch  of  sweet  violets 
at  Brother  and  Sister  Finch's  breakfast  table  weeks  after  we 
are  gone.  She  wanted  their  address,  and  expects  to  send 
each  of  the  children  a  book.  She  told  us  of  her  early  struggles, 
of  her  first  article,  its  welcome,  the  check  that  followed,  and 

104 


Royal  Palms — Barbados 


of  her  later  life.     How  grateful  we  were  for  this  visit  from 
such  a  busy  and  gifted  woman. 

Barbados  has  a  population  of  200,000  in  an  area  of 
1 62  square  miles — more  people  to  the  square  mile  than  in 
any  other  country  except  China.  The  harbor  is  beautiful. 
The  Trade  Winds  blow  continually,  and  thus  render  the  island 
more  healthy  and  generally  cooler  than  the  others.  Bridge- 
town is  the  port,  and  the  island  is  called,  "Little  England." 
There  is  only  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  here,  and  it  is  an 
ideal  place  to  do  missionary  work. 

Barbados,  Monday,  February  1 8 

Are  we  really  here?  We  have  to  stop  and  meditate  to 
realize  it.  Although  it  is  like  our  hottest  summer  weather  in 
Cincinnati,  yet  we  are  not  minding  the  heat  much,  and  enjoying 
our  visit  thoroughly.  Sabbath  dawned  bright  and  clear. 
Had  a  most  precious  prayermeeting  Saturday  night.  After 
praising  God  for  our  safe  voyage,  the  work  was  all  spread 
out  before  Him,  and  He  so  united  and  blessed  us  that  we 
feel  sure  we  are  meeting  His  approval.  The  one  concern  of 
the  missionaries  was  that  the  people  should  see  Jesus  only, 
not  get  their  eyes  on  the  missionaries. 

About  a  ten-minute  walk  from  the  home  brought  us  to  the 
new  Tabernacle — the  Tabernacle  about  which  you  have  read, 
prayed  for,  and  helped  to  build.  We  are  delighted  with  the 
building.  It  is  splendidly  built,  showing  care  and  planning; 
has  a  seating  capacity  of  about  425,  with  a  side  and  front 
entrance,  and  windows  on  each  side.  The  seats  are  comfort- 
able, and  the  building  is  lighted  by  electricity.  Situated  as 
it  is  in  the  crowded  section  of  the  city,  it  is  destined  to  prove 
indeed  a  lighthouse  whose  rays  shall  reach  many  darkened 
hearts.  After  a  most  splendid  song  service,  led  by  Brother 
Slater  and  his  cornet.  Brother  Finch  brought  a  precious  message 

107 


on  "Worship."  This  was  blessed  to  all,  and  at  the  altar  call 
five  came  seeking  Jesus,  and  they  gave  clear  testimony  that 
He  met  them. 

In  the  evening  about  three  hundred  gathered  for  the  welcome 
service.  There  was  a  sprinkling  of  wh'te  people,  but  the  large 
majority  of  the  congregation  were  natives.  They  had  expected 
us,  and  made  preparation  for  our  coming  January  on  the 
Par'ima,  and  had  not -received  the  cable  sent  of  our  coming 
now;  and  so,  being  in  some  uncertainty  before  they  really 
saw  us,  it  was  too  late  to  advertize  the  meeting,  and  many 
were  disappointed,  but  those  present  gave  us  a  most  cordial 
welcome.  How  they  did  shout,  sing,  amen,  rejoice,  wave 
their  handkerchiefs!  Wh'le  the  welcome  to  the  new  mission- 
aries and  myself  was,  indeed,  all  that  could  be  expected,  yet 
we  were  so  pleased  and  interested  to  witness  the  welcome  to 
Brother  Finch,  their  old  tried  friend  and  missionary.  After 
Brother  Finch's  message.  Brother  Slater  exhorted,  and  there 
was  a  precious  altar  service,  with  backsliders  returning  to  God. 
Thus  we  feel  our  first  Sabbath  in  Barbados  was  owned  of 
Him.     It  is  good  to  be  here. 

Bro'h-^r  Finch  has  planned  to  visit  all  the  country  stations 
this  week,  giving  one  night  service  to  each  place.  Thus  our- 
days  and  evenings  are  crowded  full. 

Just  before  d'nner  two  native  sisters  came  in  from  the  coun- 
try, bringing  their  pastor.  Brother  Beirnes,  a  bag  of  potatoes 
and  other  vegetables,  saying,  "God's  children  must  be  fed." 
Knowing  that  such  a  crowd  were  here,  they  were  moved  to 
help.  God  bless  them  for  it!  After  supper,  with  Brothers 
Finch,  Beirnes  and  Slater,  we  were  off  to  the  first  meeting  at 
the  country  station.  This  is  called  "Social  Hall,"  and  is  five 
miles  out  from  the  city;  a  most  beautiful  ride  in  the  moonlight, 
through  fields  of  sugar  cane,  on  past  litde  villages  and  country 
homes. 

108 


en 

ui 
X 
H 

C 


> 
a: 
< 

X 


What  an  investment  and  blessing  the  Ford  car  is  to  this 
work !  Surely  God's  people  will  never  know  what  it  has  meant 
to  the  missionaries  and  also  the  natives,  as  many  of  these  out 
stations  would  be  difficult  of  access  were  it  not  for  the  car. 
As  we  passed  through  the  villages.  Brother  Slater  would  call 
out  in  a  loud,  stentorian  voice,  "Come  to  the  meeting  down 
at  Social  Hall!"  and  then,  as  we  alighted  from  the  car,  he 
gave  a  bugle  call  with  the  cornet  (church  bell).  The  church 
was  soon  packed,  people  coming  from  village  and  hillsides. 

As  we  were  passing  along  the  road,  we  continually  heard 
people  say,  "Goodnight."  It  amused  us,  and  we  finally  in- 
quired why  they  did  this,  when  it  was  only  7  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  and  found  this  is  the  usual  salutation.  They  say 
"Goodnight"  as  we  say  "Goodday." 

Barbados,  Monday,  February)  18 

How  shall  we  ever  describe  this  first  service  at  the  out 
stations!  At  7:30  the  hall  was  well  filled,  and  the  service 
cpened  with  a  most  spirited  song  service.  How  those 
dear  black  people  can  sing!  They  simply  made  the  hall  ring. 
There  are  blessed  saints  here,  and  they  sang  in  the  spirit, 
clapping  their  hands,  and  thus  keeping  time  with  the  music. 
As  they  sang  one  of  their  own  songs,  "The  Reapers,"  we 
laughed  aloud  with  joy,  and  we  can  understand  how  some 
of  the  students  at  the  School  feel  when  they  give  one  of  their 
unutterable  and  ur.containable  shouts.  We  felt  exactly  the 
same  wav.  "Songs  of  Mounting  Up,  No.  2,"  is  the  new 
song  book,  and  that  night  it  was  introduced.  The  congrega- 
tion soon  mastered  "Come  and  Dine,"  and  how  they  sang  it! 
After  being  led  in  prayer  by  one  of  the  members — a  prayer 
that  will  linger  with  us  for  days  to  come,  a  prayer  full  of 
pathos,  gratitude  and  simplicity,  thanking  God  for  "bringing 
the  Fathers  to  us"    (the  missionaries) — by   request.   Brother 


Slater  and  the  writer  sang,  "The  Bridal  Procession,"  and  how 
intently  the  audience  listened — they  wanted  to  catch  every 
word — and  then  they  joined  in  the  chorus  with  a  will. 

It  was  only  a  short  time  after  the  song  service  began  when 
the  hall  was  packed,  with  people  standing  outside  at  the 
windows  and  crowding  the  door.  We  all  spoke  in  this  service, 
and  then  Brother  Finch  gave  a  burning  message  on  "How 
Shall  We  Escape?"  His  soul  was  burdened,  and  he  poured 
it  out  as  if  he  might  never  again  have  an  opportunity  to  preach 
to  this  people.  Three  came  to  the  altai-,  and  after  prayer, 
testified  to  being  definitely  blessed  of  God.  This  is  a  class 
of  forty-eight  members  just  recently  organized,  and  God  is 
in  their  midst.  There  is  a  benediction  on  our  hearts  as  we 
remember  them  and  our  service  there.  Amid  "God  bless 
yous"  and  tender  messages  of  welcome  and  of  goodby,  we 
were  off  again  for  the  home.  As  we  were  returning.  Brother 
Slater  suggested  that  we  go  home  with  him.  As  their  house 
is  close  to  the  sea,  thus  we  had  a  splendid  night's  rest,  lulled 
to  sleep  by  the  dashing  breakers.  This  is  their  winter  down 
here,  and  the  cold  weather  of  the  North  has  made  some  change 
in  the  climate,  for  they  tell  us  they  have  never  before  used 
covering  at  night.  However,  the  change  from  the  heat  of  the 
day  is  delightful,  and  we  can  appreciate  it  fully.  One  thing 
surprised  us  much  at  Barbados,  and  that  was,  not  to  find 
swarms  of  flies,  as  the  homes  have  no  screens,  and  everything 
is  wide  open.  There  are  not  many  mosquitoes  yet,  either,  but 
the  friends  tell  us  to  wait,  we  will  find  mosquitoes  in  both 
South  America  and  Trinidad. 

We  have  had  our  first  taste  of  sugarcane — the  cane  the 
children  talked  so  much  about  on  the  trip  down.  This  cane 
is  in  the  form  of  long  sticks  that  remind  us  of  cornstalks  in 
Ohio,  and  the  people  chew  it,  and  it  satisfies  the  desire  for 
candy.      Rich  and  poor  use  these  pieces  of  sugarcane,  as  a 

112 


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stalk  is  sold  for  a  penny.  We  were  told  that  poor  women 
will  go  a  whole  day  on  the  strength  that  they  gain  from  two 
cr   three  of  these  stalks. 

Although  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land,  we  feel  perfectly 
at  home,  and  adjusted  to  everything.  All  the  missionaries  are 
taking  interest  in  the  Diary  Letters. 

Last  night  we  had  our  second  out-station  meeting  at  a 
place  called  "Workman."  This  station  is  farther  away  than 
the  service  last  night,  but  the  roads  are  good,  and  with  the 
Ford  car  it  was  not  difficult*  of  access.  As  Workman  is 
located  high  on  the  hills,  the  view  was  simply  wonderful. 
We  have  three  painted  announcements  tacked  on  the  car,  one 
on  each  side,  and  one  on  the  back,  and  these  announcements 
read:  "Holiness  Convention  in  White  Park  Road,  February 
24 — March  10.  American  Missionaries  to  assist."  These 
announcements  are  read  by  hundreds,  attention  is  created  every- 
where the  car  passes.  This  is  a  week  of  prayer  at  the  main 
church  in  Barbados,  and  these  out  stations  not  only  are  places 
where  God  is  lifted  up  and  souls  find  Him^  but  are  a  means 
of  advertizing  the  Convention  at  the  main  station.  On  the 
way  out  to  Wo»;kman  we  met  wagon  after  wagon  loaded  with 
cane  and  grass,  the  workers  sitting  on  the  cane,  going  home 
from  a  day  of  labor,  and  what  a  picturesque  sight  it  was! 
"Man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work,  and  to  his  labor,  until  the 
evening."      (Ps.   104:23.) 

The  Christians  at  Workman  have  a  rented  hall,  paying 
$1.44  a  month  for  its  use.  After  the  cornet  call,  the  congre- 
gation soon  gathered.  The  place  was  packed,  and  as  many 
more  were  standing  on  the  outside.  This  was  an  entirely  dif- 
ferent meeting  from  the  one  on  Monday  night,  but  was  mightily 
owned  of  God.  "Mounting  Up,  No.  2"  was  again  introduced 
as  a  new  book,  and  after  the  song  service.  Scripture  and 
prayer,   Brothers  Slater  and   Finch  sang  a  duet,   "The  Old 

115 


Rugged  Cross."  This  hymn  was  evidently  new  to  the  people, 
but  by  the  time  the  brethren  had  sung  the  chorus  several  times, 
the  congregation  seemed  to  know  it  as  well.  These  natives 
learn  the  hymns  so  quickly  it  almost  makes  one  feel  ashamed 
of  an  American  audience.  Each  worker  again  took  part  in 
the  service.  Brothers  Finch  and  Slater  exhorting.  Then 
eighteen  dear  people  gathered  around  the  altar  and  table.  It 
was  such  a  beautiful  sight!  After  earnest  prayer  and  seeking, 
Brother  Finch  asked  them  to  state  briefly  what  they  had  re- 
ceived, and  we  hastily  penned*  a  few  sentences:  "I  wanted 
healing  in  my  body,  and  I  have  it."  "I  praise  God  for  an- 
swered prayer.  Have  been  longing  for  a  meeting  like  this." 
"He  has  reclaimed  me."  "Prayed  four  weeks  to  be  sanctified, 
and  He  has  done  it."  "Praise  God  that  the  very  root  of  sin 
has  been  taken  out."  "I  have  asked  Hrm  to  sanctify  me 
wholly,  and  I  believe  He  has  done  it."  "Praise  Him  for  a 
new  touch  on  my  soul.  The  old  wine  has  been  kept  to  the 
last,  and  I  have  received  it,  I  have  received  Him."  These 
people  are  hungry  for  an  old-fashioned  revival,  and  we  believe 
that  it  began  last  night.  We  were  touched  by  the  appreciation 
of  the  coming  missionaries. 

At  the  close  of  the  service,  we  were  just  ready  to  start 
for  home,  when  two  of  the  black  sisters  present  brought  us  a 
bouquet  of  beautiful  roses,  and  then  a  bunch  of  variegated 
leaves.  It  was  the  best  they  had,  and  we  appreciated  the 
offering. 

All  along  the  streets  in  the  town,  as  we  were  returnmg,  we 
saw  women  sitting  in  front  of  little  trays,  each  one  lighted  by 
a  candle.  They  hoped  to  have  a  belated  customer.  Nearly 
all  of  these  trays  contained  candy,  sugarcane,  oranges  and 
bananas. 

There  are  no  snakes  on  the  islands,  but  there  are  lizards, 
and  they  are  just  as  common  as  our  spiders  at  home. 

116 


One  thing  of  which  I  never  tire  here  is  the  hucksters.  When 
we  speak  of  a  huckster  we  naturally  think  of  a  well  filled 
wagon  going  from  house  to  house,  the  housewife  choosing 
what  she  desires,  vegetables  or  fruit,  and  paying  for  same; 
but  here  it  is  not  so,  the  hucksters  are  women,  and  instead  of 
wagons  these  women  have  trays  on  their  heads,  and  these 
contain  different  things — lettuce,  or  sugarcane,  fish,  fowls, 
or  bananas,  or  cocoa,  peas,  beans,  pumpkins,  and  so  on.  All 
day  long  they  go  from  house  to  house,  and  at  night  sit  on  the 
streets  until  quite  late.  The  bread  is  delivered  by  a  cart,  a 
small,  covered  vehicle.  The  loaves  are  small,  and  sell  for 
a  penny.  Everyone,  rich  and  poor,  wants  a  loaf,  and  they 
eat  it  with  a  cup  of  coffee  or  cocoa  for  the  morning  meal. 
A  cook  here  is  paid  $3.00  a  month,  and  this  is  considered 
good  wages.  Hundreds  of  natives  work  all  day  in  the  fields 
for  12  cents,  but  now  is  the  harvest  time,  and  they  get  16 
cents  and  all  the  sugarcane  they  desire  to  eat.  There  is  noth- 
ing that  has  so  touched  my  heart  as  to  see  these  black  sisters 
carrying  such  loads,  carrying  their  trays  of  vegetables  and 
fruits,  but  when  you  think  of  these  women  carrying  stones 
and  helping  to  load  the  ships  with  coal,  it  almost  seems  too 
much.  The  wages  paid  are  so  small  that  a  man  cannot  earn 
enough  to  support  a  family,  and  so  many  women  support 
themselves  by  thus  working.  The  people  are  very  poor.  Fuel 
is  expensive,  and  wood  is  sold  by  the  pound,  or  1 00  pounds 
for  72  cents. 

We  hive  had  our  first  ride  on  a  Barbadian  streetcar, — a 
small  car  holding  about  twenty-five  people,  and  drawn  by 
mules.  You  can  go  one  mile  for  one  cent.  They  do  not 
have  long  runs,  and  the  mules  rest  quite  frequently.  As  the 
Government  controls  the  car  service,  the  mules  are  well  cared 
for.  They  have  here  a  splendid  watering  system  for  the  whole 
island.     It  has  cost  the  Government  a  million  dollars,  so  their 

117 


watering  places  for  horses  and  mules  are  ever  so  often.  AH 
the  farm  work  is  done  by  hoes  and  forks.  There  is  scarcely 
a  plow  on  the  island,  and  a  man  or  woman  hoes  or  digs  200 
hills,  for  the  planting  of  sugarcane,  for  1 2  cents.  When  a 
plow  is  used  there  are  from  six  to  twelve  oxen. 

Thursday,  February  21 

Last  evening  I  was  too  weary  to  go  to  the  service,  but  was 
almost  sorry,  as  the  other  missionaries  reported  such  a  good 
time.  They  had  an  open  air  service  v^ath  a  congregation  of 
1 50.  But  after  a  good  night's  rest,  we  are  ready  for  to- 
night's meeting.  We  are  having  some  real  missionary  experi- 
ences here.  We  thought  that  possibly  we  were  becoming 
acclimated,  and  for  this  reason  slept  but  little,  but  one  of  the 
missionaries  told  us  they  had  not  been  rested  in  four  years, 
and  another  said  he  had  not  slept  well  for  one  year.  The 
continuous  heat,  with  no  changing,  saps  the  energy  and  strength, 
and  for  this  reason  it  is  more  than  necessary  that  the  missionaries 
have  a  change  of  climate — are  allowed  to  go  back  home  at 
least  every  five  years.  We  have  been  two  days  and  nights 
now  with  Brother  and  Sister  Slater,  and  how  kind  they  have 
been,  giving  us  their  room  that  we  might  have  the  sea  air  and 
hear  the  wash  of  the  great  waves.  The  sea  bathing  is  a  perfect 
delight,  and  we  have  afforded  David  and  Flora  Bell  much 
amusement.  The  Slater  children  have  grown  so  fast,  and 
are  so  sturdy  and  well. 

The  mahogany  tree  is  native  here,  and  whole  groves  have 
been  pointed  out  to  us.  All  the  furniture  is  made  of  mahog- 
any, and  some  of  the  pieces  are  very  fine.  This  mahogany 
is  not  sent  away,  but  used  largely  on  the  island.  There  are 
shops  all  over  the  city  that  make  furniture,  but  it  is  all  made 
by  hand,  as  there  are  no  factories  as  at  home. 

118 


Night  comes  suddenly.  We  do  not  have  the  twilight  as 
we  do  in  the  North.  About  6  P.  M.,  we  suddenly  realize 
that  night  is  on  hand,  and  daylight  comes  just  as  suddenly 
about  6  A.  M.  We  Americans  miss  the  early  morning  cuid 
the  long  evenings.  The  birds  flit  in  and  out  of  the  house 
all  day  long,  and  this  is  contantly  to  me  a  source  of  great 
pleasure,  and  yet,  at  the  same  time,  amazement.  They  seem 
to  have  no  fear  whatever  of  the  occupcuits  of  the  home,  but 
the  house  is  native  to  them  as  well  as  the  air. 

In  company  with  Brother  and  Sister  Beirnes,  Brother  Slater 
and  Brother  Schoombie,  we  left  home  about  3  P.  M.,  and  had 
a  most  delightful  ride  across  the  island,  fourteen  miles.  We 
had  to  cross  the  hills,  and  what  a  view!  The  valley  spread 
out  before  us,  the  waving  grain  fields,  the  marvelous  greens! 
Our  Father  has  a  beautiful  world;  and  if  it  is  so  beautiful 
now,  when  marred  by  sin,  what  shall  it  be  when  redeemed 
back  to  God!  Our  trip  was  to  Crane's  Hotel,  a  summer 
resort  on  the  seaside.  There  are  people  here  from  all  over 
the  world.  Right  on  the  edge  of  the  sea  are  great  overhang- 
ing rocks,  and  Sister  Beirnes  and  myself  walked  out  on  the 
ledge  and  sat  down  in  a  sheltered  place,  with  the  sea  roaring 
about  us,  to  write  a  letter.  Later,  Brothers  Beirnes  and 
Slater  had  a  great  swim  in  the  heavy  breakers,  but  we  con- 
tented ourselves  by  sitting  in  the  sand  and  watching  the  wonder- 
ful blue  sea,  of  which  we  never  tire.     The  words  of  the  hymn, 

"  Ni:inberlcps  as  the  sands  on  the  seashore, 
Numberless  as  the  sands  on  the  shore, 
O  what  a  sight   'twill  be,  when  the  ransomed  host  we  see. 
Numberless  as  the  sands  en  the  seasliore. "    • 

rang  in  our  hearts,  and  we  praise  God  for  the  prospect. 


19 


CHAPTER    IX 
Victory  at  the  Out  Stations 

Thursday,  Feferuarij  21 

While  on  this  trip  we  went  to  Sam  Lord's  castle,  the 
home  of  a  pirate  who  had  this  castle  built  for  himself  nearly 
a  hundred  years  ago.  The  story  is  told  of  him  that  he  placed 
1  ghts  upon  the  bamboo  trees,  and  captains  of  vessels,  s-apposirf^ 
the  lights  to  be  those  of  a  lighthouse,  came  in  to  shore  and 
were  wrecked.  He  would  take  his  aids,  plunder  the  ships, 
dispose  of  or  leave  the  people  to  look  out  for  themselves,  or 
be  washed  into  the  sea,  as  the  case  might  be.  The  house 
itself  must  have  cost  an  enormous  sum,  built  of  solid  mahogany, 
with  massive  doors  marvelously  carved.  Everything  was 
wonderful !  The  house  is  unoccupied,  only  as  tourists  rent  it 
for  a  month  or  so  at  the  time,  paying  forty  dollars  a  month. 
I  am  afraid,  however,  that  we  could  never  be  able  to  sleep 
in  such  a  place,  as  we  could  always  hear  in  imagination,  the 
cries  of  distress  of  those  wrecked  through  his  deception.  We 
were  shown  the  rafters  in  the  cellar  that  were  taken  from 
some  of  the  stranded  vessels.  We  have  been  in  homes  that 
seemed  saturated  with  prayer,  and  there  was  a  fragrance  and 
sweetness  in  the  very  atmosphere;  but  this  house  had,  to  us, 
an  odor  of  the  Pit.  We  could  almost  feel  the  tortures  and 
heartaches  that  must  have  gone  on  in  the  years  of  the  past, 
and  we  were  glad  to  get  away  from  it.  Oh,  what  a  heritage 
the  saint  or  sinner  leaves  behind!  May  God  help  everyone 
who  reads  these  lines  to  shine  for  Him. 

120 


These  stops  were  on  our  way  to  "Rices,"  the  fourth  out- 
station  from  Barbados.  Here  we  met  a  good  congregation — 
not  as  large  as  the  other  points,  but  it  is  harvest  time,  and 
the  people  worked  late,  in  the  sugar  mills  and  the  fields. 
After  the  songs  and  messages  one  dear  soul  came  to  the  altar 
for  a  clean  heart,  and  she  really  found  Jesus  in  His  fullness. 
She  had  taken  the  REVIVALIST  and  God  has  made  the  "Silent 
Preacher"  a  great  blessing  to  her.  How  wonderful  it  is  to 
meet,  in  such  isolated  places,  those  who  are  taking  the  paper! 
Often  it  is  their  only  preacher;  and  while  God  has  marvelously 
blessed  it  in  the  past,  we  feel  He  will  bless  it  even  more  in 
the  days  to  come. 

Although  Rices  is  fourteen  miles  from  Barbados,  many 
here  are  planning  to  spend  the  Sabbath  at  the  head  church, 
and  some  expect  to  be  there  during  the  Convention.  Brother 
Blackman,  the  native  preacher  who  has  charge  of  this  and 
another  out-station,  is  a  godly  man.  Oh,  what  a  joy  to  look 
into  these  black  faces,  to  tell  them  of  Jesus — the  Jesus  who 
hears  and  answers  prayers,  the  Jesus  who  can  wash  the  black 
heart  white,  and  make  and  keep  us  conquerors.  This  service, 
we  feel,  will  count  for  God,  and  while  we  do  not  expect  to 
look  into  many  of  the  faces  again  this  side  of  the  pearly  gates, 
yet  we  feel  we  shall  meet  some  of  them  at  that  day.  We 
reach  home  about  1 0  o'clock.  They  tell  us  here  that  to  lie 
with  the  moon  shining  in  your  face  will  give  you  a  cold,  and 
that  no  one  ever  thinks  of  staying  out  too  long  in  the  moon- 
light. It  is  new  to  us,  but  the  promise  is,  "The  sun  shall  not 
smite  thee  by  day,  nor  the  moon  by  night." 

Friday,  February  22 

Washington's  birthday.  If  we  were  at  home  at  the  Bible 
School,  the  children  would  be  telling  us  of  this  day,  and 
calling  our  attention  to  Washington,  the  father  of  his  country, 

121 


but  we  feel  like  we  are  living  in  another  world,  we  are  so 
isolated.  Although  we  left  New  York  only  three  weeks  ago 
tomorrow,  yet  we  scarcely  know  what  is  going  on,  as  the 
information  here,  with  the  ships  coming  so  far  apart,  is  meager, 
but  we  can  trust  God  and  know  that  everything  is  going  well. 
He  gives  us  that  assurance  in  our  hearts.  Some  way  we  can 
understand  the  joy  of  the  missionaries  when  the  home  letters 
come,  as  we  never  understood  it  before. 

The  Lord  answered  prayer  and  gave  me  the  best  night's 
rest  I  have  had  in  four  weeks,  and  today  I  feel  something 
like  myself.  Thank  God!  "How  excellent  is  thy  loving 
kindness,  O  God.  Therefore  the  children  of  men  put  their 
trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings." 

Brother  and  Sister  Beirnes  have  gone  to  get  their  pictures 
taken  for  their  passports. 

This  morning  we  visited  the  kitchen.  We  were  desirous  to 
see  the  stove  and  manner  of  cooking.  The  kitchen  floor  is 
made  of  brick — the  way  most  of  the  kitchens  are  floored  on 
this  island.  They  use  utensils  made  of  clay,  too.  The  "stove" 
he-e  is  a  small  clay  pot,  not  larger  than  our  iron  kettle  at  home. 
There  is  a  place  for  the  charcoal,  and  underneath  the  ashes 
fall  through.  They  place  the  cooking  utensils  on  the  stove, 
and  can  only  cook  one  thing  at  a  time.  The  charcoal  and 
wood  both  are  very  expensive.  Charcoal  now  is  $2.00  a 
bag,  while  they  prevously  paid  only  72  cents  for  one.  Brother 
Beirnes  has  made  a  makeshift  oven,  taking  a  box,  lining  it 
with' zinc,  and  placing  two  sets  of  rods  through  the  center. 
The  charcoal  fire  is  placed 'in  a  vessel  inside  of  the  box,  and 
then  everything  is  baked  on  the  rods.  The  native  people,  as 
you  can  imagine,  do  very  little  cooking,  as  they  cannot  afford 
to  buy  the  charcoal. 

122 


Saturday,  February  23 

Yesterday  at  4  P.  M).,  in  company  with  the  other  mission- 
aries, we  started  for  Martin's  Bay,  the  fifth  country  out- 
station,  fourteen  miles  across  the  island,  in  another  direction 
from  the  point  where  we  have  been  holding  meetings,  through 
great  sugar  plantations,  with  the  most  wonderful  views  of 
tropical  scenery.  I  wish  it  were  possible  to  describe  this  to 
you,  but  I  have  no  Icuiguage  in  which  to  make  it  known.  I 
can  only  tell  you  that  it  is  wonderful — beautiful  beyond  words. 
On  our  way  out  we  stopped  at  the  St.  John's  Church,  the 
Anglican  or  Church  of  England.  Its  quaintness,  age,  sur- 
roundings, moss-covered  tombs,  reminded  us  of  the  descriptions 
of  those  we  have  read  of  in  Old  England.  How  interesting  it 
all  was!  On  the  handsome  mahogany  pulpit  were  beautifully 
carved  these  words:  "If  suiy  man  will  do  His  will,  he  sha!! 
know  of  the  doctrine."  We  all  registered  in  the  Visitors' 
Rep;ister,  then  passed  into  the  eld  cemetery.  This  cemetery 
contains  the  tombs  of  several  families  only,  and  these  families 
were  each  buried  in  a  single  tomb.  They  have  shelves  inside 
of  the  tomb — mausoleum,  as  we  would  call  it  here,  and  the 
dead  are  placed  on  these  shelves.  Some  of  these  tombs  are 
200  hundred  years  old.  The  church  and  cemetery  are  about 
800  feet  above  the  sea,  with  one  of  the  most  entrancing  views 
we  have  ever  beheld.  We  were  all  enthusiasm,  and  Brother 
Finch  suggested,  "Get  out  the  Diary  Letter  and  write  now;" 
but  we  felt  rather  inclined  to  sit  and  study  the  scene,  for  we 
could  never  do  it  justice  with  pen  or  pencil.  Palm  trees  a 
hundred  feet  high,  the  great,  rolling,  restless  sea  in  the  dis- 
tance breaking  aver  the  rocks  with  the  roar  and  rumble  of  a 
hundred  trains,  the  green  valleys  dotted  with  little  homes  here 
and  there,  formed  a  panorama  that  shall  never  be  forgotten. 
It  was  like  visiting  fairy  land,  as  we  children  used  to  call  it. 
We  were  blessed  through  and  through,  just  sitting  there  and 

123 


looking — looking!  We  have  never  seen  anything  that  brought 
such  intense  restfulness,  such  quietness  and  pleasure.  The 
majesty,  the  beauty,  the  indescribableness  of  it  all,  makes  is 
feel  wholly  unequal  to  even  try  to  tell  you  of  it.  We  only 
wish  it  were  possible  for  every  REVIVALIST  reader  to  make 
the  trip.  The  whole  place  seemed  to  sing  to  us  of  God,  and 
we  could  not  wonder  that  the  stars  sang  together  at  Creat'on's 
dawn.  Some  way  our  hearts  felt  an  appreciation  of  that 
scene  that  we  never  knew  before.  Surely,  "God  is  the  King 
of  all  the  earth.     Sing  praises  unto  our  King,  sing  praises!" 

We  were  only  on  this  height  about  twenty  minutes,  when 
we  began  the  descent  into  the  valley,  a  deep,  steep  grade. 
As  we  entered  the  home  of  the  school  teacher,  a  re.fined.  Chris- 
tian native  young  woman.  Miss  Elliott,  who,  with  her  sister, 
lives  in  a  cottage  half  a  mile  from  the  sea,  we  really  felt  that 
we  were  in  one  of  His  homes.  They  had  not  expected  us  to 
arrive  so  soon,  but  quickly  got  us  a  lunch  of  raisin  bread, 
cocoa  and  bananas.  Cocoa  is  the  drink  of  the  whole  island. 
Miss  Elliott  had  taken  God's  Revivalist,  although  she  is 
not,  at  this  time  a  subscriber,  but  she  felt  acquainted  with  us, 
and  expects  to  take  the  paper  again.  From  the  veranda  which 
surrounds  the  cottage,  there  in  the  moonlight,  we  watched  the 
great  breakers,  and  listened  to  the  lashings  of  the  sea.  They 
tell  us  that  this  village  is  the  home  of  Brother  Goddard,  who 
was  a  student  in  the  Bible  School  for  three  years,  and  who 
is  still  in  America.  We  regretted  not  seeing  his  aged  mother. 
She  was  not  able  to  come  to  the  service,  and  we  did  not  feel 
equal  to  climbing  the  hills  to  her  home. 

After  a  short  rest  here — a  steep  hill,  and  then  the  little 
Mission.  The  place  was  packed,  with  about  150  standing 
on  the  outside.  Brother  Slater's  cornet  again  called  the  con- 
gregation together.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  was  wonderfully 
present,    and   gave  much  liberty.      The  missionaries  were   at 

124 


their  best.  What  a  rejoicing  time!  These  black  saints  get 
blessed,  and  sing  heartily,  and  are  always  ready  for  our 
solo,  or  duet,  or  trio,  or  quartet — "The  Bridal  Procession." 
Some  of  the  saints  were  so  happy  over  being  in  the  "bridal 
procession"  that  they  shouted  and  jumped  for  joy.  Several 
times  we  were  not  able  to  sing  for  the  rejoicing.  We  have 
been  surprised  at  one  thing  in  the  island — there  is  not  as  much 
demonstration  as  one  might  expect  to  see,  and  as  much  as  we 
find  among  the  colored  people  at  home,  but  Brother  Slater 
told  us  that  the  people  here  are  not  given  to  demonstration. 
They  enjoy  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  but  they  show  it  in  a 
different  way.  However,  tonight  was  an  exception.  Each 
took  part  in  the  service  and  God  wonderfully  blessed.  Brother 
Finch  is  expecting  to  hold  revival  services  in  this  place  later. 
The  field  is  ripe.  That  night's  service  made  us  know  the 
opening  is  at  hand.     In  about  an  hour  we  reach  home. 

Not  accustomed  to  hearing  our,  "How  do  you  do?"  the 
people  are  quite  surprised,  but  on  the  other  hand,  it  seems 
impossible  for  us  to  get  accustomed  to  saving  "Goodn  ght." 
It  is  very  hot  in  the  davtime,  but  the  nights  are  cool.  After 
busily  writing  for  three  hours  yesterday,  we  went  for  a  littje 
walk,  wearing  a  hat,  but  using  no  umbrella.  However,  we 
had  not  walked  more  than  ten  minutes  when  we  began  to  get 
such  a  peculiar  headache,  burning  in  the  face,  and  we  knew 
at  once  we  had  been  out  too  long  in  the  sun.  Call'ng  m'ght!ly 
upon  God,  £uid  promising  if  He  would  take  i\  away,  we 
would  be  more  careful.  He  answered  prayer.  It  seems  so  easy 
to  forget  that  we  are  not  at  home,  and  we  have  to  say  over 
and  over,  "Lord,  help  us,"  and  mean  by  that,  to  help  us  to 
get  accustomed  to  the  difference  between  this  climate  and  ours, 
the  difference  between  these  surroundings  and  ours  at  home. 
The  natives  are  used  to  the  sun,  but  even  they  wear  a  covering. 

125 


An  American,  however,  is  very  easily  overcome,  and  the  stroke 
is  even  worse  than  the  regular  sunstroke. 

This  is  Saturday  night,  and  Brother  Biernes  accompanies  us 
to  Roebuck  Street,  just  a  square  away.  The  streets  are  filled 
with  people  going  to  auid  fro.  There  are  no  sidewalks,  and 
we  all  walk  in  the  streets.  The  little  stores  are  crowded 
with  people  buying  something  for  the  Sabbath.  As  we  entered 
one,  they  were  weighing  a  penny's  worth  of  wood,  cut  up  like 
kindling.  In  another  store  they  were  selling  corn  meal,  in 
another  bottled  molasses,  and  so  on.  All  the  stores  are  small. 
Everywhere  on  the  road  were  women  with  their  trays,  the 
small  lamps  flickering  in  the  moonlight.  Here  is  a  large  tray 
filled  with  cookies,  buns,  etc.,  one  penny  apiece,  home-made 
candy,  etc.,  everything  exposed  to  dust  and  germs.  Another 
woman  had  a  pan  of  sausages  on  a  charcoal  stove  at  her  feet. 
She  was  cooking  them.  If  these  dear  people  cannot  have 
meat  through  the  week,  they  feel  they  must  have  a  little  bit 
for  Sunday.  As  we  entered  one  shop,  there  was  a  rooster 
on  one  shelf  and  a  chicken  on  another.  The  man  explained 
that  so  many  of  the  chickens  had  been  stolen,  that  he  is  keep- 
ing the  rest  inside  until  they  have  eaten  them.  We  bought 
some  bananas  in  order  to  make  an  excuse  for  our  call.  We 
did  so  enjoy  having  this  trip,  as  we  would  call  it,  through 
the  market.  Everywhere  Brother  Biernes  invited  the  people 
to  attend  the  services  on  the  morrow. 

Monday,  February)  25 

■ ' '  Showers   of  blessings, 

Showers  of  blessings  we  need; 

"Mercy  drops  round  us  are  falling, 

But  for  the  showers  we  plead." 

It  was  a  glorious  Sabbath — a  full  day,  a  wonderful  time 
of  the  out-pouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     The  week  of  prayer 

126 


has  counted  for  God.  The  first  service  began  at  1 1  o'clock, 
and  the  presence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was  very  marked.  We 
felt  and  realized  that  He  had  come  to  bless  His  people.  As 
we  sat  looking  over  that  audience,  Brother  Finch  asked, 
"Does  this  look  like  Missions  pay?"  "A  hundred  times!  A 
hundred  times!"  we  answered,  and  we  felt  from  that  one 
week  passed  visiting  the  out-stations  and  this  one  service,  we 
had  witnessed  enough  to  know  that  every  cent -put  into  Mis- 
sions pays, — yes,  pays  a  hundredfold,  not  only  in  this  life, 
but  think  of  the  reaping  and  the  reward  over  there!  All 
through  the  audience  we  were  able  to  pick  out  folks  from 
the  country  stations,  and  how  good  it  was  to  see  them!  Among 
these  people  from  the  out-stations  were  the  local  preachers. 
They  came  to  have  their  hearts  blessed,  and  were  not  disap>- 
pointed. 

Brother  Finch  brought  the  message,  "We  see  Jesus,"  and 
God  marvelously  used  that  message  to  awaken  hearts.  Some 
eighteen  or  twenty  answered  to  the  altar  call,  and  with  strong 
cryings  and  tears,  sought  God,  and  found  Him  to  their  heart's 
satisfaction.  One  dear  soul  told  us  that  amidst  many  trials 
she  had  not  been  patient  and  sweet  as  she  should  have  been, 
but  now  God  had  cleansed  her  heart,  and  He  was  going  to 
hold  her.  There  was  such  a  look  of  rest,  such  a  look  of 
calmness  in  her  face  that  we  felt  that  indeed  and  in  truth, 
the  great  God  in  Heaven  had  Himself  stooped  and  spoken 
to  her  heart.  There  is  only  one  thing  we  can  liken  it  to:  on 
a  small  scale,  it  was  a  service  of  the  REVIVALIST  Camp  over 
again.     Our  souls  were  watered  and  refreshed. 

At  4  P.  M.,  we  had  another  meeting  of  the  Brotherhood — 
some  kind  of  an  organization  among  men — but  today  they 
have  invited  all  the  women.  By  special  invitation.  Brother 
Schoombie  was  asked  to  preach,  Brother  Slater  to  sing  a  solo, 
and,  with  the  writer,  a  duet.     Brother  Slater  sang,  "He  Lifted 

127 


Me,"  Brother  Schoombie  brought  the  message,  "One  Thing 
Needful,"  then  Brother  Slater  and  myself  sang,  "The  Open 
Fountain."  As  we  studied  the  audience,  in  many  faces  we 
saw  the  light  of  God,  and  what  an  encouragement  and  in- 
spiration. As  he  gave  the  message  we  felt  that  we  could 
leave  the  results  with  Him.  The  chairman,  on  behalf  of  the 
Brotherhood,  gave  the  writer  a  large  bouquet  of  beautiful  trop- 
ical flowers.  We  appreciated  the  thoughtfulness,  and  the 
opportunity  of  speaking  of  Jesus  to  an  organization  that  is 
not  Christian.  We  felt  it  was,  indeed,  a  privilege  to  bring 
the  message  to  those  whom  we  could  not  otherwise  reach. 

After  lunch,  we  go  to  evening  service  at  the  church.  By 
7  P.  M.  there  was  a  great  audience,  and  after  a  blessed  song 
service.  Brother  Slater  brought  the  message  of  the  hour.  What 
a  burning  hot  exhortation:  "Fight  ye  not  against  the  God  of 
your  fathers:  for  ye  shall  not  prosper!"  He  was  burdened, 
and  God  used  and  blessed  that  message.  The  altar  was  filled, 
and  He  answered  to  hearts.  One  dear  soul  felt  she  must 
ask  forgiveness  of  another  who  had  grievously  wronged  her, 
and  it  seemed  more  than  she  could  possibly  do;  but  she  prom- 
ised God  if  He  would  only  answer  to  her  heart,  she  would 
ask  that  forgiveness  today.  We  feel  she  will  obey  Him,  and 
we  know  He  will  bless  her  in  the  doing.  Oh,  how  much  it 
means  for  a  soul  to  obey!  The  revival  is  on.  We  feel 
and  recognize  it.  The  workers  are  so  burdened,  and  much 
prayer  is  going  up.  The  precious  people  are  hungry,  and 
word  comes  from  other  points  for  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  as  well  as  the  home  church.  One  of  the  native  preach- 
ers just  wrote  Brother  Biernes: 

"This  is  to  let  you  know  that  since  I  heard  from  you,  the 
Lord  has  answered  in  giving  a  revival.  Not  only  in  the  city 
of  Port  of  Spain,  but  right  here  in  Chaguanas,  we  have  re- 
ceived  a   landslide  from  the  Glory  world,   and  souls  are  no 

128 


more  coming  by  the  ones,  but  by  threes  and  fours  and  fives. 
Bless  God,  the  interest  is  deepening!  We  never  had  such 
crowds  in  the  street  meetings  or  indoors  as  we  are  having  now. 
A  revival  is  on.  Roman  Catholics  are  coming  home  to  God. 
They  are  breaking  away  from  idols  to  serve  the  true  and 
living  God.  The  Roman  Catechist  says  we  are  drawing  away 
many  of  their  members;  but  it  is  the  faithful  Holy  Spirit 
through  the  truth  of  God.  May  the  Lord  bring  Brother  Finch 
quickly!  A  church  building  is  needed  so  badly  here  to  house, 
those  whom  God  is  saving." 

Praise  God  for  such  a  report!  We  believe  the  money  will 
soon  be  on  hcmd  for  that  church  building,  and  we  expect  to 
visit  this  place  and  will  report  to  you  later. 

There  is  one  strikingly  noticeable  thing  about  the  people 
here:  they  bring  their  Bibles  to  church,  and  when  the  lesson 
is  read,  the  congregation  follow  the  reader.  How  glad  we 
were  to  meet  Brother  Thornton's  mother.  This  is  Brother 
Thornton's  second  year  in  the  Bible  School  at  Cincinnati, 
and  the  mother  was  so  eager  to  have  a  report  from  him.  We 
could  only  tell  her — good.  Bind  she  was  pleased. 

On  Saturday  we  read  our  first  Diary  Letter  printed  in  the 
December  31st  issue  of  the  REVIVALIST.  We  nave  written 
so  much  since  that  letter  that  we  had  almost  forgotten  what 
was  written.  How  interested  the  missionaries  were  to  see 
it,  and  how  blessed  we  are  in  writing!  We  want  every 
Revivalist  subscriber  to  consider  these  Diary  Letters  as 
personal  ones. 

The  photograph  of  the  new  church  was  taken  today,  and 
we  are  sending  it  to  you.  Look  at  is  carefully,  for  this  is  a 
most  blessed  place,  a  place  where  Jesus  is  preached  in  all  His 
fullness.  This  church  is  a  monument  to  answered  prayer. 
Brother  Beirnes  was  so  pressed  in  spirit  over  the  need  of  a 
building  for  the  people,  that  he  prayed  day  and  night.     God 

129 


gave  him  the  vision,  the  plan  and  the  promise.  By  faith  he 
began  the  building.  Then  God  put  the  burden  on  the  home 
folks.  Brother  Finch  took  it  up,  the  Cincinnati  Camp  helped, 
and  from  the  time  the  burden  came,  it  was  less  than  six  months 
before  the  building  was  dedicated,  although  it  is  not  all  paid 
for  yet.  The  people  hope  to  finish  doing  this  by  paying 
twenty  dollars  per  month.  The  cornerstone  has  inscribed  on 
it:  "Dedicated  August  7,  1917,  unto  Him  who  hath  called 
us  unto  holiness."  Since  we  have  been  here,  heju^d  of  its  long- 
felt  need,  and  realized  how  helpless  the  missionaries  were 
without  it,  we  are  grateful  beyond  words  that  the  building 
is.  indeed,  a  reality;  and  we  feel  each  one  who  gave  and 
helped  to  make  it  possible  would  agree  with  us,  could  they 
be  in  the  services,  could  they  understand  and  feel  the  mighty 
presence  of  God.     Thank  God  for  the  building  in  Barbados! 

As  there  is  no  meeting  tonight,  we  are  all  going  to  Brother 
Slater's  this  afternoon,  and  expect  to  have  a  plunge  in  the 
sea.  It  is  the  first  time  the  little  Finch  folks  have  had  an 
opportunity  of  going.  They  are,  indeed,  happy.  Baby  Dor- 
othea Slater — not  yet  nine  months — was  dipped  in  the  water, 
and  enjoyed  it,  seemingly,  as  much  as  the  rest  of  us.  She 
splashed  and  laughed  and  shouted  her  delight  in  every  way. 
We  found  Sister  Slater  ill;  another  attack  of  malarial  fever 
and  weak  heart.  Before  leaving,  we  laid  hands  on  her  and 
prayed,  and  the  blessed  Jesus  drew  near,  as  we  asked  Him 
to  heal  the  worn  body.  He  consciously  blessed  her,  and  she 
testified  to  it,  and  felt  better  immediately.  He  is  the  same 
yesterday,  today  and  forever. 

As  we  were  in  the  sitting  room  last  evening  a  beggar 
woman  knocked  at  the  door,  and  Brother  Beirnes  asked  her 
to  come  in,  that  we  might  see  her.  On  her  head  was  a  large 
bundle,  dressed  in  rags;  poor,  emaciated,  hollow-eyed — such 
a  creature  as  you  seldom  see.     She  had  with  her  a  little  boy 

130 


who  was  in  even  worse  condition  than  herself.  What  a 
touching  story  she  told  us!  She  comes  regularly  to  the  mis- 
sionaries, and  they  always  help  her.  She  knows  on  whom  she 
can  depend,  and  does  not  hesitate  to  ask  for  help.  One 
merchant  here  helps  between  fifty  and  sixty  of  the  poor  every 
Saturday.  The  maimed,  the  lame,  the  halt  and  the  blind 
come  to  him. 

Tuesday,  February)  26 

While  all  the  rest  were  at  the  main  church  Sunday  night. 
Brother  and  Sister  Finch  held  a  service  at  "Carrington  Vil- 
lage," one  of  the  near  appointments.  He  reports  great  free- 
dom in  preaching,  a  packed  house,  and  six  souls  at  the  altar 
who  touched  God. 

Last  night  Brother  Schoombie  brought  the  message,  "It  is 
time  to  seek  the  Lord."  His  three  points  were:  The  Uncer- 
tainty of  Time,  the  Brevity  of  Time,  and  the  Duration  of 
Eternity.  He  was  burdened,  and  God  heard,  and  the  altar 
was  again  lined  with  seekers.  There  was  rejoicing  in  Heaven 
over  some  coming  home. 

Brother  Finch  relieved  Brother  Biernes  as  pastor,  and  has 
installed  Brother  Slater.  Brother  Biernes  will  go  to  South 
America  and  Trinidad  with  us.  Have  all  booked  to  sail 
March  6,  on  the  only  steamer  going  for  some  time;  had  to 
take  this  or  go  on  a  schooner,  and  we  do  not  want  more  than 
is  necessary  of  those. 

Tuesday,  February  26 

Constance,  the  girl  who  has  done  our  laundry,  brought  it 
back  and  with  it  some  pretty  red  seeds  and  some  other  black 
ones,  in  long-stemmed  pods  to  take  home.  Another  gave  us 
a  calabash,  and  a  woman  in  the  neighborhood  sent  a  dish  of 
tamarinds,  the  fruit  like  a  date,  but  more  tart.  So  kind  of 
them.     We  also  had  some  fruit  called  "sour  sop." 

131 


We  have  had  three  good  night's  sleep,  but  last  night  very 
little.  When  we  cannot  sleep,  we  pray.  We  had  a  wonder- 
ful time.  The  Lord  took  an  old  text  which  never  seemed  to 
have  any  special  meaning  before,  and  made  it  Life  to  us, 
and  there  seemed  to  be  a  sermon,  altar  service  and'  love  feast 
altogether.      We  will  never  get  over  that  night. 

"Some  through  the  water,  some  through  the  flood,  3 

Some  through  the  fire,  but  all  through  the  Blood, 
Some  through  great  sorrow,  but  still  with  a  song, 
In  the  night  seasons,  aud  all  the  day  long." 

Someone  truly  says,  "Unless  each  soul  ran  through  life's 
various  discords  and  melodies,  it  would  not,  alas,  know  the 
perfect  symphony." 

"God  has  His  best  things  for  the  few  6 

Who  dare  to  stand  the  test; 
God  has  His  second  choice  for  those 

Who  will  not  have  the  best." 

We  choose  the  best. 

"My  God,  I  want  but  Thee, 

Thy  life  increase  within  me,  until  all  but  Thine  shall  cease; 
And  yet — a  deeper  state  I  crave, 

No  more  to  see  myself,  however  greatly  blessed  or  filled, 
But  only  Thee." 

Wednesday,  February  27 

We  had  a  quiet,  restful  night.  It  grows  warmer  every  day. 
It  had  been  announced  that  there  would  be  a  three-days' 
service  this  week — Tuesday,  Wednesday  and  Thursday. 
Some  feared  the  people  would  not  come,  but  there  were  fifty 
present  yesterday,  and  they  all  walked.  One  told  us  she  had 
come  one  mile,  others  two,  and  two  and  a  half,  another  ten. 
Think  of  it!  In  the  hottest  part  of  the  day.  Brothers  Biernes, 
Schoombie,  and  the  writer  each  spoke,  and  one  young  man 
was  sanctified.      The  church  is  a  ten  minutes'  walk  from  the 

132 


home.  We  had  a  precious  visit  with  one  who  shared  the 
walk  back.  There  are  many  truly  sanctified  people  here.  A 
splendid  audience  came  Monday  night,  but  a  much  larger 
one  last  night.  It  was  like  a  Sunday  night  crowd.  The  people 
are  hungry,  and  fill  the  church  early.  How  they  sing,  "Come 
and  dine."  They  do  not  need  any  help.  We  can  sit  and 
enjoy  it.  With  Brother  Slater  we  sang,  "Yielded  Life,"  to 
their  evident  enjoyment. 

Two  other  notable  things  have  impressed  us,  outside  of  the 
Bibles.  No  one  enters  the  church  and  takes  his  seat  without 
kneeling,  and  they  always  fill  up  the  front  row  seats  and 
leave  the  rear  ones  for  late  comers.  How  we  wish  their 
example  could  be  followed  at  home.  Brother  Finch  brings 
the  message  on,  "The  baptism  with  the  Holy  Ghost,"  eluci- 
dating and  emphasizing  it  with  Scripture  after  Scripture.  He 
is  free.  The  people  are  convicted,  but  it  was  a  hard  pull. 
After  holding  on,  however,  ten  came  to  the  altar,  and  what 
joy  to  see  them  pray  through. 

Brother  Slater  moves  in  from  the  house  beside  the  sea, 
four  miles  away,  to  this  home,  as  he  is  pastor,  and  needs  to  be 
near,  while  Brother  and  Sister  Biernes  go  to  the  sea  again 
to  gain  some  strength  before  they  return  home.  The  homes 
are  furnished,  so  all  they  have  to  do  is  to  have  trunks  moved 
with  personal  belongings.  We  have  been  at  Brother  Biernes' 
and  were  shown  much  kindness.  Sister  Biernes  has  gathered 
up  a  number  of  curios  for  us  to  take  home,  and  will  get 
more.     We  feel  indebted  to  her. 

We  are  now  with  Brother  and  Sister  Finch,  and  will 
remain  with  them  the  rest  of  our  stay.  They  are  comfortably 
situated  in  a  five-room  house,  on  a  hill,  in  a  suburban  part 
of  the  city.      It  is  better  for  the  children. 

Another  good  morning  audience.  The  presence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  marked,  and  interest  deepening.     Brother  Slater 

133 


remarks  in  the  opening  that  he  feels  "God  has  the  meeting  in 
charge,  and  there  is  no  strain."  There  was  a  good  testimony 
service,  almost  everyone  testifying  briefly,  then  Brother  Finch 
gave  a  Bible  talk  on  sanctification,  making  it  so  plain  that  six 
or  seven  came  to  the  altar  for  their  inheritance. 

The  days  are  gliding  by,  full  of  blessing.  We  cannot 
get  accustomed  to  not  seeing  a  mail  man  come  in  once  a  day. 
Four  weeks  tomorrow,  and  we  have  not  seen  him  once.  The 
missionaries  tell  us  they  now  sometimes  wait  weeks  and  weeks. 
"In  patience  possess  ye  your  souls."  There  is  a  boat  coming 
from  New  York  next  week,  and  we  are  all  looking  eagerly 
for  it. 

Bridgetown  is  a  city  of  50,000,  but  is  so  far  behind  the 
times,  and  so  scattered  it  does  not  seem  larger  than  20,000. 
It  boasts  of  one  train,  and  that  looks  like  a  child's  plaything. 
It  runs  only  twenty-one  miles.  There  are  two  or  three  stores 
that  makes  us  feel  like  we  are  at  home.  It  is  a  curious,  interest- 
ing, old  English  town.  To  our  knowledge,  there  is  only  one 
American  man  here  outside  of  the  missionaries,  and  when  one 
meets  one,  there  is  a  fellow  sympathy ;  so  when  Brother  Finch 
and  the  brethren  called  on  the  American  Ambassador,  placing 
ourselves  under  his  protection,  there  was  genuine  pleasure  on 
both  sides.  He  was  pleased  to  see  them.  Our  passports  have 
been  signed  by  the  Governor  of  the  islands,  and  we  are  at 
liberty  to  go  to  South  America. 

We  did  not  go  to  the  meeting  last  night,  but  learned  that 
they  had  a  most  remarkable  meeting,  most  powerful  of  all. 
While  the  congregation  sang,  "Let  all  the  people  praise  Thee," 
the  power  fell  on  the  audience,  and  glory  filled  the  place. 
Brother  Schoombie  brought  the  message,  "What  will  you  do 
with  Jesus,  who  is  called  the  Christ?" 

134 


Friday,  March  1 

A  beautiful  summer  day!  A  heavy  rain  has  cooled  the 
atmosphere. 

Brother  Finch  had  the  service  yesterday  morning,  and  his 
message  was  on  Christian  Perfection.  He  is  full  of  this 
subject,  and  is  giving  the  people  his  best.  They  had  a  good 
altar  service  again.  About  4  P.  M.  there  was  a  heavy  shower, 
and  they  did  not  expect  so  many  out,  as  the  people  largely  go 
barefoot,  and  are  afraid  of  a  disease,  as  the  result  of  cold; 
but  there  was  only  a  slight  chemge  in  the  attendance,  and 
people  in  from  the  country  appointments,  too.  Brother  Slater 
has  the  opening  service,  and  asks  for  promises,  and  almost 
two-thirds  of  the  audience  give  a  verse  of  Scripture,  promise, 
testimony,  or  exhortation.  They  were  asked  to  give  a  prom- 
ise, but  seemed  to  give  the  expression  of  their  heart.  It  was 
profitable  and  enjoyable.  They  are  well  versed  in  Scripture, 
and  use  it  freely  in  testimony  and  prayer,  making  them  rich, 
for  there  is  nothing  so  encouraging  and  uplifting  as  God's 
Word.  "Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  my  heart  that  I  might  not 
sin  against  thee."  "Let  us  come  before  His  presence  with 
thanksgiving,  and  make  a  joyful  noise  unto  Him  with  psalms." 

The  presence  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  more  marked  than  in 
any  of  the  previous  meetings,  until  one  is  constrained  to  say, 
"This  is  a  great  Convention."  Brother  Finch  brings  the 
message  on  the  Second  Coming,  using  the  last  verse  in  the  6th 
chapter  of  First  Thessaloians :  The  Model  Church,  the 
Model  Servant,  the  Model  Brother,  the  Model  Walk,  then 
the  Day  of  Jehovah.  We  have  never  heard  Brother  Finch 
more  free  and  full  of  power  as  He  gives  this  truth,  nor  do 
we  know  anything  that  seems  to  bring  more  conviction  on 
hearts.  The  altar  was  well  filled.  We  were  attracted  to  a 
young  girl  who  was  weeping  and  praying.  Upon  inquiry  we 
found  she  was  so  afraid  she  would  be  left  behind,  and  wanted 

135 


God  to  forgive  her  sins.  After  a  long  time  of  confessing  and 
praying,  she  was  enabled  to  believe  He  did  it.  It  was  a 
comfort  to  see  the  look  of  peace  there.  Others  were  blessed, 
too.  We  were  also  encouraged  to  hear  that  one  of  the  lawyers 
at  the  "Brotherhood,"  on  last  Sabbath  afternoon,  was  greatly 
convicted  under  the  truth  presented,  and  stated  he  was  going 
to  "save  his  soul."     Pray  for  him. 

Saturday,  March  2 

No  meeting  this  morning,  so  for  fear  it  may  be  our  last 
opportunity,  we  go  down  to  the  city  and  spend  two  hours 
looking  around.  We  wanted  to  find  plenty  of  cards  descrip- 
tive of  the  various  scenes  we  have  looked  upon,  to  bring  to 
you  and  others.  We  find  two  dozen.  We  were  compelled  to 
search  several  stores  for  these.  We  stepped  into  a  curio  shop 
and  this  is  filled  with  all  sorts  of  curios,  from  an  alligator, 
crocodile,  turtle,  bamboo  tree,  shells  of  all  descriptions,  to 
the  smallest  article.  A  heavy  shower  came  up  and  we  had 
to  wait.  Here  was  a  store  called  "Self  Help,"  on  the  order 
of  the  Woman's  Exchange  at  home,  run  by  white  people. 
Dozens  of  English  ladies  were  there  while  we  waited.  They 
get  fresh  vegetables,  jellies,  fresh  country  butter,  etc.,  outside 
of  the  general  kind.  The  only  kind  of  jelly  here  is  guava, 
and  sells  for  twenty  cents  a  pint  jar.  It  is  very  fine.  We 
get  a  small  hand  basket  made  of  cabbage  palm.  It  is  brown 
and  white,  of  tough  material,  and  will  wear  for  years.  A 
young  boy  enters,  and  asks  us  to  buy  limes.  We  shake  our 
head.  He  insists,  and  before  we  know  it,  he  puts  eight  in 
our  basket,  looks  so  appeaLn.^ly  at  us,  and  we  get  out  our 
purse  and  pay  him.  The  women  enter  With  all  kinds  of 
trays  on  the'r  heads,  trying  to  sell.  They  fill  the  st-eets  w'th 
their  wares,  and  beg  for  a  buyer.  We  find  the  post  office, 
send  a  parcel,  and  get  some  stamps. 

136 


Right  here  is  what  is  called  "The  Green,"  corresponding 
to  our  "Fountain  Square" — a  central  meeting  place  for  all 
the  street  cars.  When  the  city  clock  strikes  ten,  twelve,  or 
-  three,  as  the  case  may  be,  the  cars  all  start  at  once.  We 
greatly  enjoyed  our  two  hours  in  this  quaint  old  city,  having 
time  to  watch  and  study  the  sights. 

Brother  Biernes  was  the  speaker  last  night,  the  first  time 
he  has  spoken  in  this  convention,  and  the  first  time  we  have 
heard  him.  After  Brother  Slater  sings,  "The  Great  Judgment 
Morning,"  So  speaks  on  "The  Judgment,"  a  strong.  Scriptural 
sermon.  It  had  been  "ironing  day"  among  the  people,  and 
there  was  a  small  audience.  Everyone  seems  to  be  worn  out, 
and  the  service  closes  early.  This  morning  before  8  o'clock. 
Brother  Slater  takes  us  to  a  sufjar  estate  called  "Canewood." 
This,  with  another,  is  owned  by  Brother  Dear.  He  took  us 
to  his  second,  and  had  the  windmill  put  in  operation  so  we 
could  see  the  process  of  grinding  the  cane.  The  wings  of 
the  windmill  are  thirty-six  feet  long,  and  there  are  four  of 
them.  What  a  sight  it  was.  They  can  only  be  operated  while 
the  wind  is  blowing,  and  when  it  does  not  they  have  to  wait; 
but  that  is  not  often.  There  are  three  great  rollers,  one  ton 
weight  each,  and  the  cane  is  fed  between  them,  which  crushes 
out  the  juice.  We  helped  to  feed  it.  The  juice  is  carried 
through  pipes  into  tanks,  where  it  is  strained  and  cooked  into 
syrup.  They  gave  us  all  we  could  drink  of  the  cane  juice. 
Most  of  this  work,  from  the  planting  to  this  final  process,  is 
done  by  women.  They  carry  the  cane  in  bundles,  weighing 
from  fifty  to  seventy-five  pounds,  to  the  feeding  place.  Brother 
Slater  attempted  to  place  one  bundle  in  our  arms,  zuid  we 
dropped  it  at  once.  They  make  1 ,800  gallons  of  syrup  a 
day.  This  making  of  syrup  is  from  February  to  June,  and 
is  the  happiest  time  of  the  year  for  the  natives.  They  can 
have  all  the  juice  they  want  to  drink,  and  £ill  the  cane  to 

137 


chew.  We  taste  and  see  the  syrup  after  it  has  gone  through 
every  process  and  is  ready  for  market.  It  has  a  fine  flavor, 
and  we  do  not  wonder  that  the  people  Hke  it.  Brother  Dear 
gives  all  his  help  two  pints  every  week  to  carry  home.  The 
syrup  sells  for  forty  cents  per  gallon,  and  is  largely  shipped 
to  Canada,  etc.  Brother  Dear  has  been  a  great  blessing  to 
the  missionaries.     God  bless  him! 

This  is  Saturday  night.  On  the  way  from  New  York, 
Esther  and  Catherine  told  us  so  much  of  the  "Saba"  girls, 
and  tonight  they  came  to  see  them.  These  girls  are  in  service. 
They  walked  four  miles  to  and  from,  and  brought  two  baskets 
filled  with  presents:  one  dozen  eggs,  cabbage,  two  cucum- 
bers, one  jar  of  "guava"  jelly,  fifteen  bananas,  two  grape- 
fruit, two  dozen  cookies,  five  oranges,  three  tomatoes,  a  plate 
of  cooked  fish,  and  a  vegetable  like  squash.  The  children 
are  delighted,  and  they  are  equally  pleased  to  see  them  happy. 
"Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  daily  loadeth  us  with  benefits." 
Two  of  the  girls  are  from  the  island  of  Saba. 

Saturday,  March  2 

"Grandpa  and  Grandma"  have  not  gone  back  to  Boston — - 
are  going  on  the  first  steamer.  They  have  been  to  see  us, 
and  today  had  a  large  auto,  and  with  two  other  passengers 
of  the  Guiana,  invited  Catherine  and  Esther  for  a  ride  around 
the  island.  They  had  a  most  delightful  day.  They  have 
been  to  the  Convention  both  Sabbath  mornings.  They  are 
not  free  to  ride  the  street  cars  on  the  Sabbath,  so  Brother 
Slater  brought  them  each  time  in  his  Ford.  "Greuidpa"  gave 
him  five  dollars  for  gasoline.  They,  with  their  daughter,  have 
entertained  Billy  Sunday  in  Boston.  They  are  sincere  Chris- 
tians, and  greatly  enjoy  the  service,  and  gain  blessing  and 
inspiration.  They  are  so  beautiful  and  kind  in  spirit  that  we 
all  love  them. 

138 


We  have  had  our  first  taste  of  "curry,"  of  which  we  have 
heard  so  much  from  India  missionaries.  It  is  used  here  as 
well  as  in  all  hot  countries.  We  rather  like  it.  It  is  a  hot 
powder  put  in  gravy,  and  used  over  meat,  fish,  etc.  We  are 
told  it  fits  this  climate.  Eddoes  is  new,  too,  a  vegetable  like 
carrots,  only  white. 

Sunday,  March  3 

This  is  a  beautiful  Sabbath  day,  cool  and  pleasant.  We 
understood  there  would  be  little  if  ever  any  change  in  tem- 
perature, and  we  are  so  pleased  when  it  is  cooler.  Brother 
Schoombie  has  secured  license  to  run  a  Ford,  and  comes  for 
the  family  at  ten.  Only  a  few  minutes  ride,  and  we  are 
at  the  church.  Praise  Service  was  announced  to  be  at  ten, 
and  a  large  company  assembled.  "Enter  into  his  gates  with 
thanksgivings,  and  his  courts  with  praise.  Be  thankful  unto 
him,  and  bless  his  name."  "Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that  fear 
the  Lord,  and  I  will  declare  what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul." 
We  had  thought  to  take  down  some  of  these  rich  testimonies, 
but  we  became  so  absorbed  enjoying  them  we  could  not.  It 
was  one  of  the  sweetest  services  we  were  ever  in,  like  one 
of  the  testimony  meetings  in  the  last  service  of  the  Camp. 
Surely  those  sweet  notes  of  praise  were  like  incense;  and  the 
black  faces  of  the  speakers  just  shone.  About  every  third 
person  started  his  testimony  with  a  verse  of  song,  and  all 
joined. 

"The  Lamb,  the  Lamb,  the  bleeding  Lamb, 

I  love  the  sound  of  Jesus'  name, 

It  sets  my  spirit   all  aflame. 

Glory  to  the  bleeding  Lamb!" 

An  old  gray-haired  lady  from  "Social  Hall"  started  to  sing, 

' ' From  city  and  from  country  we  have  gathered  to  this  place, 
To  magnify  Thy  goodness,  power,  love,  and  boundless  grace, 
And  tarry  in  the  sunshine  of  the  presence  of  Thy  face, 
To  Thee  be  all  the  praise!" 

139 


She  had  the  freedom  of  a  bird  in  midair,  and  blessed  us. 
Before  it  was  over  they  danced  before  the  Lord  for  very  joy, 
and  then  gave  a  glad  wave  offering.  It  was  a  blessed 
occasion.  With  Brother  Slater,  we  sang,  "In  the  secret  of 
His  presence,"  after  which  he  brought  the  message  from  Psa. 
84:11,  "The  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  shield,"  a  strong,  help- 
ful sermon,  full  of  encouragement  for  the  saint  and  conviction 
to  those  not  sanctified.  He  was  blessed  in  the  delivery,  but 
was  hampered  for  lack  of  time.  Many  came  to  the  altar. 
The  evening  service  was  divided.  Brother  Finch  preaching  on 
the  New  Birth,  at  the  main  church,  and  Brother  Schoombie 
at  "Carrington  Village."  This  is  a  splendid  building,  and 
we  owTi  it. 

In  our  two  weeks'  stay  we  have  seen  more  than  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  bow  at  the  altar  as  seekers.  God  has  been 
honored  and  His  name  glorified.  How  the  people  do  thank 
Him  for  this  new  church  home,  this  "refuge,"  as  they  express 
it.  Many  have  felt  like  sheep  without  a  shepherd,  and  the 
long-felt  need  can  hardly  be  estimated  by  us  at  home.  The 
work  is  more  established,  and  they  feel  it  has  come  to  stay. 
We  hear  expressions  of  satisfaction  on  every  side. 

Monday,  March  4 

This  is  our  birthday.  How  old?  Just  guess.  We  are 
telling  no  one,  keeping  ft  a  surprise,  letting  the  Diary  Letter 
tell  them  weeks  after  we  are  gone. 

We  just  cannot  tell  it.  The  tears  fill  our  eyes  as  we  think 
of  the  love  of  these  missionaries,  and  what  they  want  to  do, 
if  able.  We  can  almost  hear  some  of  them  say,  "Now, 
Sister  Knapp,  why  didn't  you  let  us  know?"  However,  there 
are  birthday  presents,  for  instead  of  receiving  we  are  giving, 
and  you  know  "it  is  (always)  more  blessed  to  give  than  to 
receive."     Knowing  that  the  two  families  have  not  eaten  but- 

140 


ter  for  nine  months,  or  a  year,  we  are  sending  the  Beirnes  and 
Slater  families  a  pound,  also  a  pound  of  American  cheese, 
which  is  such  a  treat,  jmd  also  a  can  of  condensed  milk. 
We  are  so  happy  in  doing  this.  We  remember  the  Finch 
family  with  a  small  treat,  but  knowing  we  all  came  so  re- 
cently from  the  States,  we  do  not  need  the  extras  as  the  rest 
of  them.  We  did  use  to  like  "surprises,"  but  have  not  prac- 
ticed one  in  years,  and  this  is  a  real  enjoyment.  This  sweet 
Scripture  comes  for  us,  "Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things  which 
God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  Him."  This  is  enough 
for  a  birthday. 

"He  will  silentlj  plan  for  thee 
Some  wonderful  surprise  of  love; 

Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
But  is  kept  for  thee  above." 

Tuesday,  March  5 

Yesterday  P.  M  the  missionaries  all  met  for  counsel  and 
prayer,  talking  over  plans,  providing  for  the  needs  and  de- 
velopment of  the  work.  There  was  a  blessed  spirit  of  fellow- 
ship and  harmony.  AH  seemed  to  see  eye  to  eye,  and  we 
are  believing  God  to  wonderfully  lead  in  the  future  of  the 
work,  and  all  are  encouraged. 

Sister  Slater  has  had  another  relapse,  and  unless  God  heals, 
it  will  be  imperative  for  her  to  return  home  soon.  The  doc- 
tor has  told  them  she  cannot  live  in  a  tropical  climate.  They 
had  hoped  to  remain  one  more  year,  while  Brother  Beirne^ 
is  away,  but  may  be  compelled  to  go.     Pray  for  them. 

Last  evening  the  meeting  took  on  a  new  form.  Had  what 
we  often  have  at  the  School — a  platform  meeting.  We  were 
anxious  to  hear  some  of  the  native  workers  speak,  and  this 
meeting  was  arranged,  and  more  than  met  our  expectations. 

141 


There  were  five  on  the  platform — three  women  and  two  men. 
We  took  our  place  in  the  large  audience  assembled.  We 
studied  the  faces  before  us,  and  knew  what  they  were  before 
they  uttered  a  word.  Four  of  them,  at  leaist,  revealed  char- 
acter and  strength.  The  first,  the  Bible  Woman  employed 
by  the  Church,  spoke.  Each  one  was  allotted  ten  minutes. 
Her  subject  was,  "A  Broken  and  a  Contrite  Heart."  The 
sinner  must  have  it  to  get  saved,  the  believer  must  have  it  to 
be  kept,  the  backslider  must  have  it  to  come  home.  She 
addresses  all  three  classes,  urging  them  to  God.  The  second 
talked  to  sinners.  "In  due  time,  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly," 
The  subject  of  the  third  was,  "When  I  see  the  Blood."  It 
was  a  clear,  sweet  message  on  obedience  and  living  under  the 
blood,  where  only  there  is  safety.  The  fourth  spoke  on  the 
subject,  "Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,"  taking  us  from  the 
birth  of  Jesus  to  His  suffering  and  death,  urging  all  to  come 
to  Him.  The  last  one  took  for  a  text,  "Be  filled  with  the 
Spirit,"  urging  the  necessity  of  keeping  filled,  so  that  when 
the  missionaries  left,  the  revival  fire  would  never  go  out.  He 
did  give  truth.  Speaking  of  the  Convention  and  the  blessing 
it  has  been,  he  said,  "It  seems  as  if  God  had  something  from 
eternity,  and  threw  it  over  into  our  laps."  We  felt  we  would 
like  to  have  transported  them  to  the  Cincinnati  Campmeeting 
platform,  and  have  had  you  to  enjoy  it.  They  were  equal 
to  many  of  our  best  students  in  quoting  Scripture,  earnestness, 
zeal,  command  of  language  and  burden  for  souls.  Here  is 
the  church,  the  result  of  missionary  effort,  training  her  workers 
and  fitting  them  for  places  of  responsibility  and  usefulness. 
These  were  only  a  few — there  are  many  more.  We  commend 
them  to  your  earnest  prayer.     We  are  edified  and  blessed. 

142 


Wednesday,  March  6 

The  Parima  arrived  early  this  A.  M.  We  have  been  so 
eager  to  hear  from  home  that  when  we  heard  the  vessel  wa? 
to  be  here  today,  we  could  hardly  wait  for  the  mail  to  come. 
It  amounted  to  almost  hunger  for  food.  Brothers  Finch, 
Schoombie  and  Slater  went  down  to  see  about  our  passage, 
and  to  bring  home  the  mail.  What  do  you  think?  There 
was  not  a  line,  not  even  a  Revivalist  for  amy  of  us!  Why, 
we  looked  for  half  a  mail  sack,  and  held  out  our  hands  for 
our  big  share.  "No  mail?"  "Not  a  bit."  It  took  us 
sometime  to  catch  our  breath.  Some  of  them  were  prepared, 
and  laughed  heartily  at  us,  and  Brother  Slater  said  he  was 
"tickled"  over  it,  so  we  could  get  a  good  taste  of  what  the 
missionaries  go  through.  What  is  the  trouble?  They  tell 
us  the  vessel  loaded  with  one  hundred  sacks  of  mail  preceded 
the  Parima,  and  has  not  come  in  yet,  bu,t  may  arrive  any 
day.  You  see  we  go  on  today ,^  and  the  length  of  our  stay  in 
South  America  and  Trinidad  is  so  uncertain,  that  it  will  not 
be  safe  to  forward  mail,  and  it  may  be  another  month  before 
we  get  word  from  home.  Can  you  not  imagine  how  we 
would  like  to  call  up  on  a  long  distance,  and  get  a  message 
through?  "Happy  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his 
help,  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord  his  God." 


143 


CHAPTER   X 
The    Neglected    Continent — South    America 

Wednesday,  March  6;  on  Board  Parma 

We  understood  the  Parima  would  go  in  dry  dock  for 
repairs  in  New  York  longer  than  this,  but  here  she  is.  In 
the  awful  storm  in  which  she  was,  all  her  lifeboats  were  swept 
away.  Of  course  they  are  now  replaced.  We  are  supposed 
to  get  to  Georgetown,  S.  A.,  by  Friday  morning,  leaving  here 
at  ten  tonight.  There  has  been  a  heavy  gale  all  night  and 
today,  and  suppose  there  is  a  rough  sea.  We  have  been  told 
over  and  over  that  we  will  be  seasick,  but  we  are  looking  to 
the  Lord,  wading  through  everything  by  prayer  alone.  What 
a  refuge  is  He!  **I  will  cry  unto  God  Most  High,  unto  God 
who  performeth  all  things  for  me." 

"Jesus,  Savior,  pilot  me 
Over  life's  tempestuous  sea. 
Unknown  waves  before  me   roll, 
Hiding  rock  and  treacherous  shoal, 
Chart  and  compass  come-  from  Thee, 
Jesus,  Savior,  Pilot  me. ' ' 

"As  a  mother  stills  her  child 
Thou  canst  hush  the  ocean  wild; 
Boisterous  winds  obey  Thy  will 
When  Thou  say  est  to  them,  'Be  still.' 
Wond'rous  Sovereign  of  the  sea, 
Jesus,  Savior,  Pilot  me. ' ' 

We  bid  the  Finch  family  goodby;  they  shower  us  with  kisses 
and  love.  We  stop  to  see  Sister  Slater,  who  is  some  better, 
with  whom  we  have  prayer,  and  are  off  for  the  dock.      A 

144 


small  boat  takes  us,  trunks  and  baggage.  We  pass  a  sub- 
marine chaser  in  harbor.  The  Parima  is  much  smaller  than 
the  Cuiana,  but  our  staterooms  are  larger,  and  conveniences 
are  better. 

Thursday,  March  7 

Had  a  very  rough  night.  Our  stateroom  is  an  inside  one 
and  we  have  not  had  enough  air,  and  that,  with  the  tossing  of 
the  vessel,  has  left  us  miserable.  When  we  attempted  to  rise, 
the  beads  of  perspiration  filled  our  eyes  and  we  fell  back, 
limp  and  exhausted,  though  we  had  not  the  seasickness  as 
before.  The  stewardess  hurried  us  on  deck,  where  we  re« 
mained  all  day,  the  only  woman  passenger  until  late  in  the 
evening.  Almost  everyone  is  sick.  Only  three  or  four  ap- 
peared all  day,  and  it  is  such  a  quiet  time.  We  were 
prompted  not  to  eat  and  so  have  not  seen  inside  the  dining 
room;  only  taken  a  little  orange  juice  and  taste  of  cracker 
or  toast. 

Now,  Diary,  what  do  you  think  has  happened?  Brother 
Schoombie  is  seasick,  the  first  time  in  eight  years  of  travel. 
He  is  so  surprised,  he  hardly  knows  what  to  think.  He  teased 
us  all  so  much  that  it  seemed  he  needed  a  taste.  Don't  you 
think  so?  We  really  would  not  wish  a  dog  to  have  more 
than  that. 

Friday,  March  8 

We  land  today.  Oh,  how  glad  we  will  be.  One  reason 
why  it  is  so  rough,  the  vessel  is  so  lightened  of  its  cargo  by 
the  time  it  reaches  Barbados,  that  it  hasn't  enough  to  hold 
it  down.  Brother  Finch  is  still  very  sick,  the  worst  he  has 
ever  been.     The  rest  are  better. 

I  P.  M.  We  are  nearing  Georgetown.  We  are  in  the 
Demarara  River,  and  it  is  as  muddy  as  the  Ohio.     The  pilot 

145 


came  on  board  ah  hour  ago.  How  good  it  is  to  see  land. 
The  stewardess  tells  us  there  was  snow  and  ice  in  New  York 
when  they  left,  the  coal  situation  not  much  improved,  gas 
and  oil  supplies  short,  but  that  factories  and  stores  are  running 
on  Mondays.  It  was  good  to  hear  this  much  about  our 
native  land. 

We  are  almost  in.    We  feel  something  like  the  song  writer, 

"Then  sing,  O  sailor,  sing, 
Let  joy  each  heart  elate; 
The  light  has  come,  we  are  almost  home, 
We've  sighted  the   Golden  Gate." 

Brother  Beirnes  spies  several  of  the  church  people  on  the  pier, 
and  soon  they  are  on  board  to  welcome  the  newcomers.  We 
get  through  the  Customs  without  trouble.  We  are  kindly 
cared  for  at  the  home  of  Brother  and  Sister  Craig,  while 
others  are  lodged  at  one  home,  and  take  their  meals  out.  We 
have  a  large,  airy  room,  a  good  bed  covered  with  mosquito 
net.  We  are  hardly  accustomed  to  not  seeing  screens  at  the 
doors  and  windows,  but  as  everywhere,  we  are  at  home.  The 
birds,  flies  and  mosquitoes  fly  in  and  out  at  will.  This  is  the 
rainy  season,  and  it  has  poured  for  three  days,  and  is  damp 
and  chilly.  This  is  the  place  for  malaria  fever,  therefore  we 
are  taking  extreme  precaution. 

Saturday,  March  9 

We  did  not  go  to  the  first  service,  but  retired  early,  and 
had  a  good,  long  sleep,  and  feel  better,  although  weak.  From 
our  window  we  can  see  the  tall  cocoanut  trees  loaded  with  he 
fruit.  Georgetown  is  a  city  of  60,000,  is  more  modern  and 
up-to-date  than  Bridgetown;  wide  streets,  large  hotels,  beauti- 
ful two  and  three  story  houses.  The  streets  are  drained  by 
canals  running  through  the  street  centers,  spanned  by  bridges 
at  the  cross  streets.  Everywhere  are  tropical  plants,  some  of 
beautiful      color      and    form.      There      are      no      plastered 

146 


houses,  but  all  are  built  like  summer  homes.  South 
America  is  a  great  couhtry,  over  seven  million  square  miles. 
The  United  States  could  be  placed  in  Brazil  alone.  This  is 
almost  as  much  a  cosmopolitan  city  as  New  York;  almost 
every  nation  represented  here,  but  the  Chinese,  Portuguese, 
East  Indians,  and  blacks  are  in  the  majority.  Brother  and 
Sister  Craig  are  Scotch. 

We  saw  a  very  interesting  class  of  little  black  girls  this 
morning.  The  "American  lady"  was  quite  a  curiosity.  We 
were  mutually  interested. 

It  has  poured  for  hours,  and  they  have  had  a  full  week 
of  it.     More  than  twenty-five  inches  in  three  days. 

Our  passports  were  taken  from  us  yesterday,  and  today  we 
had  to  report  at  the  Police  Inspector's  office,  where  we  were 
examined,  and  they  were  returned. 

We  all  went  to  market.  This  is  a  great  steel  building,  put 
up  by  Americans.  When  we  think  of  market,  we  associate 
fruits,  vegetables,  meats,  etc. ;  but  here  you  can  buy  everything, 
from  household  furniture,  clothing,  jewelry,  drugs,  to  all  the 
fruits  and  vegetables  growing.  What  a  strange,  motley 
crowd!  There  were  stands  and  tables,  etc.,  but  much  was 
right  in  the  floor,  with  the  people  squatting  beside  them,  nearly 
a  block  filled  with  Chinese,  blacks.  East  Indians,  Portuguese, 
offerings  their  wares  for  sale.     It  was  a  great  sight! 

An  East  Indian  woman,  if  married,  weetfs  a  jewel  in  her 
nose.  We  saw  many  others  with  their  toes  covered  with 
silver.  They  carry  it  there  instead  of  in  the  banks.  Others 
have  their  arms  and  limbs  covered  with  bracelets,  ringlets, 
etc.  Sometimes  they  are  murdered  to  get  their  money.  We 
saw  some  of  the  prettiest  little  girls;  many  of  them  are  mar- 
ried at  the  age  of  five  and  eight  years. 

We  called  at  the  Salvation  Army  headquarters,  and  the 
Superintendent   showed   us   the  native   shelter-house   for   men, 

147 


an  open  place  with  long,  bare  tables  the  length  of  a  cot. 
Here  they  sleep  for  one  penny  a  night,  with  no  covering. 
They  have  a  restaurant  for  natives,  also  one  for  white  people. 
An  old  man  eighty  years  of  age  was  sitting  on  a  bench  eating 
his  rice  with  his  fingers.  There  cire  beggars  everywhere,  and 
if  one  should  respond  to  all  the  appeals,  he  would  need  a 
bank  account. 

Coffee  and  rice  are  grovm  here.  The  best  coffee  is  20 
cents  a  pound.  Rice  meal  is  now  compulsory  in  some  parts, 
mixed  with  the  wheat  flour.  We  have  eaten  our  first  rice 
bread.  It  is  good.  We  have  enjoyed  some  of  the  fruits, 
the  mango  especially,  more  tart  and  juicy  than  the  banana. 
There  are  several  varieties  of  bananas — apple,  fig,  and  red, 
and  one  or  two  other  kinds.  These  are  very  delicious,  as 
well  as  the  apples,  of  which  there  are  also  several  varieties. 

The  southern  part  of  British  Guiana  is  three  degrees  from 
the  Equator.  There  is  no  difference  between  the  temperature 
here  and  Barbados,  although  400  miles  south. 

* 
Monday,  March  11 

'I  Yesterday  was  a  beautiful  Sabbath.  The  rain  is  over. 
We  had  one  week  of  incessant  down  pour,  which  is  very  un- 
usual, they  tell  us.  The  canals  are  full,  and  everything  is 
beautiful  and  green. 

The  rnorning  service  is  at  11  o'clock.  It  will  be  held  in 
the  church  a  few  squares  away,  Ths  is  also  the  fruit  of 
Brother  Beirnes'  labor,  and  after  an  absence  of  eighteen 
months,  he  is  gladly  welcomed  back  for  this  brief  time.  The 
church  is  another  fine  building,  somewhat  smaller  than  the  one 
at  Barbados.  He  was  instrumental  in  puttmg  this  building 
up  at  the  cost  of  $1,700.  It  is  over  two  years  old,  and  all 
paid  for.     The  homeland  friends  helped,  but  the  people  here 

148 


finished,  and  have  also  helped  at  Barbados  and  other  out 
appointments. 

Brother  Slater  followed  Brother  Beirnes,  but  has  had  to 
leave  the  flock  alone  for  the  last  two  months.  He  had  also 
built  up  the  work  until  now  it  is  next  to  the  strongest  if  not 
the  strongest  in  all  the  work.  Brother  Slater  is  greatly  beloved, 
and  his  work  abides. 

Brother  Finch  places  Brother  Schoombie  as  pastor,  whom 
he  follows  with  his  introductory  sermon,  preaching  from  the 
most  fitting  subject,  "Look  Unto  Jesus."  It  was  a  precious 
occasion,  and  at  the  close  the  people  gathered  around  to 
greet  the  pastor  and  missionaries.  We  have  one  hundred  and 
twentv  members. 

We  did  not  attend  the  evening  service,  but  learn  that 
Brother  Beirnes  preached  a  powerful  sermon  to  a  full  house. 
Some  good  sister  sent  us  two  eggs  as  a  gift,  and  this  morning 
a  young  girl  came  with  a  bunch  of  beautiful  lilies.  We  recog- 
nize these  touches  of  love. 

The  Witness  and  Pentecostal  Herald  came  this  morning 
to  Brother  Craig.     It  is  good  to  see  these  old  U.  S.  friends. 

Tuesday,  March  12 

Brother  Finch  is  unable  to  secure  a  permit  to  preach. 
Everyone  outside  of  a  British  subject  must  have  a  permit  to 
do  either  religious  or  educational  work  in  this  colony.  The 
permit  must  come  from  the  Imperial  Government  in  London, 
and  will  take  some  time.  Both  Brothers  Schoombie  and 
Beirnes,  being  British  subjects,  can  preach,  and  have  it  all 
to  do  now.  Brother  Finch  can  only  sing,  testify  and  pray. 
He  will  apply  for  a  permit  through  the  Government  at  Bar- 
bados, when  he  returns  home.     This  is  a  recent  law. 

We  have  our  own  church  building,  and  are  thankful  that 
we  have  been  treated  so  courteously.     Brother  Schoombie  is 

151 


the  only  white  missionary  in  this  colony  who  is  preaching  full 
salvation,  that  we  know  of.  He  has  a  wide  field  of  useful- 
ness. The  church  observes  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  once 
a  month.  Yesterday  was  one  of  those  days.  The  building 
was  opened  at  5  o'clock,  and  the  people  came  and  went  all 
day,  as  they  had  time;  there  were  seekers,  and  many  were 
blessed  throughout  the  day. 

In  the  afternoon  we  were  taken  a  ride  to  the  Botanical 
Gardens,  a  most  beautiful  park,  far  superior  to  any  yet  seen. 
It  is  laid  out  and  kept  in  perfect  order.  We  then  went  on 
to  the  sea  wall.  This  wall  is  built  for  miles  along  the  coast, 
just  like  the  dykes  in  Holland,  to  keep  the  sea  out.  This  is 
made  and  kept  up  at  the  expense  of  millions  of  dollars.  This 
country  is  s'x  feet  below  sea  level.  Sometimes  it  breaks 
through  and  damages  thousands  of  acres  of  land.  Every  eve- 
ning people  ride  out  on  the  street  cars  to  get  the  sea  air  from 
the  wall.  There  is  no  bathing  beach  here.  Later  Brother 
.  and  Sister  Craig  took  us  for  a  car  ride  through  avenues  of 
palm  trees,  to  the  country,  where  we  saw  the  sugar  and  rice 
estates,  little  Indian  villages,  with  their  low  houses,  with 
thatched  and  trash  roofs.  The  managers  of  these  estates  hire 
the  East  Indians  for  a  certain  period  of  years,  and  they  must 
abide  by  the  contract.  They  build  long  sheds  containing  nine 
rooms  and  a  family  occupies  one  room.  What  a  life!  They 
have  been  brought  over  by  the  thousands  from  India  (it  is 
stopped  now)  supposing  they  will  make  money,  but  they  are 
doomed  to  disappointment.  There  are  1 20,000  here,  and  no 
seJvation  work  among  them.  Everywhere  you  turn,  these 
Hindus  are  to  be  seen.  They  are  treated  as  the  offscouring  of 
the  earth.  How  my  heart  aches  for  these,  my  sisters,  as  I 
am  told  of  some  of  their  hardships  and  sufferings.  Oh,  that 
God  would  put  His  call  on  someone  for  these  needy,  neg- 
lected,  forsaken  East  Indian  people! 

152 


On  Monday  night  a  splendid  audience  greeted  us  at  7:15. 
By  request,  we  sang  "The  Opened  Fountain,"  Brother 
Knapp's  experience  in  song.  "He  being  dead  yet  speaketh," 
and  there  is  a  satisfaction  in  singing  it  for  him. 

We  are  feeling  better  than  we  have  in  two  w'eeks,  a 
precious  touch  from  the  Lord. 

The  mosquitoes  are  very  friendly  all  day  long,  and  we  will 
soon  be  like  a  battle-scarred  veteran,  but  as  they  cannot  trouble 
us  at  night,  we  c^n  bear  with  them,  and  it  is  not  half  so  bad 
as  we  anticipated. 

The  houses  all  stand  on  posts,  eight  to  twelve  feet  high, 
with  no  wall  around  to  make  a  cellar.  We  can  sit  in  the 
drawing  room  here,  look  down  the  street  under  several  houses 
beyond  us.  This  is  because  of  the  dampness.  The  cisterns 
are  all  above  ground,  with  a  faucet  to  draw  the  water  filled 
from  the  eaves  of  the  houses. 

Brother  and  Sister  Craig  have  a  meeting  every  Sunday 
P.  M.,  at  the  alms  house,  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  A  few 
of  us  accompanied  them  there.  It  was  one  of  the  sights  we 
can  never  forget.  There  are  some  really  converted  people 
among  them,  and  they  evidently  look  forward  to  this  weekly 
meeting  as  a  bright  spot  in  their  lives.  Brother  and  Sister 
Craig  led  the  meeting,  and  called  on  each  one  to  speak  in 
turn.  Brother  Finch  spoke,  and  sang,  "In  the  Rifted  Rock." 
Later  we  follow  with,  "Companionship  with  Jesus,"  telling 
them  how  long  He  had  been  our  companion,  and  because  He 
is,  we  are  kept  from  being  lonely,  although  2,000  miles  from 
home.  At  the  close  of  this  interesting  service,  they  sang  the 
Doxology.  Now,  friends,  we  have  heard  it  simg  by  hundreds 
of  voices,  led  bv  trained  choirs,  but  never  did  it  sound  so  sweet 
as  by  that  crowd  of  poor  beings,  under  such  environments, 
surrounded  by  foul  diseeise  and  death,  nothing  in  life  to  look 
forward  to,  only  to  end  their  lives  there.      "Praise  Him  all 

153 


creatures  here  below!"  Are  we  doing  it?  Are  we  half 
thankful  enough  for  Christian  homes,  training,  and  the  land 
of  privileges?  God  help  us!  We  go  through  ward  after 
ward  in  the  hospitals,  and  here  are  some  sights,  some  of  which 
would  take  away  the  appetite,  and  others  that  would  wring  a 
heart  of  stone.  They  look  pitifully  and  longingly  at  us,  but 
little  we  can  do.  A  screen  was  closed  around  the  bed  of  a 
real  old  woman  who  was  dying.  She  could  not  understand 
us,  and  we  could  only  look  down  and  smile  kindly.  How 
those  eyes,  almost  closed  to  earth,  looked  into  ours.  An 
unspoken  prayer  was  wafted  to  the  Throne,  and  there  is*  a 
sweet  rest  as  we  think  of  her.  The  sight  of  two  idiots  made 
us  want  to  leave  the  room ;  two  black  boys,  constantly  moving, 
with  not  a  ray  of  intelligence. 

''Love  lias  a  hem  of  the  garment 

Which  touches  the  very  dust; 
It  can  reach  the  stains  of  the  streets  and  lanes, 

And   because   it   can   it  must. 
It   dares  not  rest   on  the   mountains, 

It  is  bound  to  come  to  the  vale. 
For  it  cannot  find  its  fulness  of  mind 

Till  it  falls  on  the  lives  that  fail." 

They  have  here  one  of  the  finest  Wireless  Stations  in  the 
world.      It  reminds  me  of  the  "Wireless"  to  the  skies. 

"I  have  a  Power  House,  up  in  the  sky, 
Down  come  its  currents  to  me  from  on  high; 
Wires  are  running  from  it  to  my  soul, 
Waves  from  its  batteries  over  me  roll. 

"Are  your  wires  all  up  to  this  house  in  the  sky, 
Do  the  currents  come  down  to  your  soul  from  on  high? 
Oh,  the  peace  and  the  joy  that  triumphantly  roll 
As  the  Spirit  descends,    'tis  filling  my  soul!" 

After  attending  to  some  errands,  we  went  over  to  the  British 
Museum,  where  we  saw  specimens  of  sea,  animeJ  and  insect 

154 


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life,  from  the  lion,  boa-constrictor  and  jaguar,  to  the  smalFest 
insect  named — all  from  this  Colony  alone.  Here  is  the  llama 
and  other  animals  that  we  learned  of  in  school.  They  feed 
the  boa  with  rats,  every  four  to  six  weeks.  We  had  S2ud  we 
would  like  to  see  a  great  big  snake,  if  it  were  running  the 
other  way,  but  after  hearing  some  real  stories,  we  have  decided 
not  to  make  the  acquaintance  of  the  reptile  family.  It  would 
take  one  days  to  carefully  inspect  and  enjoy  these  wonderful 
creations  that  God  has  made.  How  marvelously  great  is 
our  world,  when  we  can  see  so  much  in  one  Colony. 

Wednesday,  March  13 

At  8  A.  M  we  took  an  auto  ride  eighty  miles  round  trip 
up  into  the  country,  to  see  the  three  out-appointments,  as  we 
will  be  unable  to  meet  these  workers  in  their  regular  services. 
The  first  two  are  about  fifteen  miles  out,  and  manned  by  a 
very  godly  native  pastor,  of  whom  we  have  heard  much,  and 
are  not  disapjxiinted  in  him.  To  those  in  northern  Michigan 
who  are  supporting  him,  we  are  more  than  pleased  to  tell  them 
the  money  is  well  placed.  He  has  a  wife  and  five  children, 
all  living  in  two  tiny  rooms,  the  walls  papered  with  The 
War  Cr^,  Pentecostal  Herald,  Witness,  etc.  There  were 
only  the  bare  necessities,  and  many  of  them  lacking.  Our 
brother  was  a  Government  teacher,  and  has  taught  all  his 
children.  This  is  a  very  godly  family.  As  we  looked  at 
this  meagerly  furnished  home,  we  thought  of  our  people  at 
home  who  knew  so  little  of  sacrifice,  that  we  feel  like  crying 
out,  "Away  with  it,  and  begin  again!"  This  place  needs  a 
new  church,  and  as  the  Government  has  given  the  land  and 
the  material  is  on  the  ground,  arrangements  were  made  at 
once  to  have  it  put  up.  [Finished  and  dedicated  since  we 
returned    heme.]     The    little  daughter    brought    a     gift    of 

157 


a  few  eggs  to  the  car.  They  all  want  to  remember  the  mis- 
sionaries in  some  way.  We  passed  the  next  church  "Cottage" 
with  a  thatched  roof,  situated  in  a  wild  spot.  They  are  all  open 
like  a  campmeeting  building.  We  could  see  the  one  swinging 
lamp  in  the  center,  the  seats  and  small  pulpit.  Our  native 
brother  is  doing  a  good  work  in  these  two  appointments,  and 
he  has  the  confidence  of  the  entire  community. 

On  our  way  to  the  last,  forty  miles  up,  we  stopped  to  see 
one  of  the  members  who  is  employed  on  a  cocoanut  estate 
of  thousands  of  treees — a  sight  of  one's  lifetime!  A  man 
takes  a  long  pole,  brings  down  eight  or  nine  cocoanuts,  opens 
them,  and  we  all  enjoy  a  delicious  drink  of  the  water.  At 
this  stage  they  are  called  water-cocoanuts.  This  is  consid- 
ered the  health  drink  of  the  colony.  The  nuts  are  soft.  They 
must  remain  on  the  tree  for  a  year  or  more  before  they  are 
ready  to  be  sent  to  us,  as  we  buy  them  at  home.  On  our 
return,  these  dear  people  have  for  us  three  dry  cocoanuts  ready 
for  Parcel  Post,  a  dozen  eggs,  and  some  cassava  root.  They 
also  are  so  pleased  to  remember  us. 

The  next  church  "Perth"  is  larger,  but  an  open  structure, 
with  a  long  thatched  roof.  This  building  seats  200.  It,  with 
the  one  previously  mentioned,  was  paid  for  by  a  sister  in  the 
United  States,  at  a  cost  of  $50  each,  but  these  temporary 
structures  are  giving  way,  and  they  need  substantial  ones  in 
their  stead.  This  will  take  $250  for  each.  They  have  a 
Sunday-school  of  1 00,  and  this  is  the  hope  of  the  work.  Here 
in  these  two  or  three  villages  are  6,000  lost  souls.  Who  is 
responsible  for  their  salvation?  How  can  people  lay  up 
treasure  where  moth  and  rust  doth  corrupt,  and  neglect  these 
poor  lost  sheep?  For  the  last  few  days  we  have  so  felt  the 
pressure  of  heathenism  around  us,  with  these  thousands  having 
no  preacher,  that  we  feel  nearly  prostrated  under  the  burden. 
It  truly  is  a  neglected  continent.     We  do  not  wonder  now 

158 


Cottage 


that  Brother  Finch  is  continually  asking  for  more  men  and 
money.  He  has  never  exaggerated;  in  fact,  it  can  hardly  be 
explained,  the  conditions  are  so  dreadful.  Someone  remarked 
that  we  might  become  hardened,  but  how  awful  that  would  be. 
We  want  to  keep  a  tender,  open  heart  and  conscience,  and 
always  feel  the  weight  and  need.  However,  only  under  cir- 
cumstances like  the  one  bringing  us,  would  we  care  to  remain 
forty-eight  hours,  unless  we  had  such  a  clear,  definite,  ringing 
call  to  the  work  that  nothing  would  ever  shake  us.  It  would 
take  this  to  make  one  contented  in  such  conditions  that  wear  on 
life,  heart,  brain  and  nerve.  We  would  not  want  to  picture 
an  easy  life,  but  God  has  those  who  will  bear  the  test.  There 
is  need  of  those  who  have  a  clear,  definite  experience  of  entire 
sanctification,  and  who  have  been  tested,  disciplined,  and  tried 
to  the  limit. 

To  return  to  the  ride:  We  went  through  beautiful  stretches 
of  country,  one  or  two  landscape  views  that  looked  as  if  an 
artist  had  laid  them  out.  Thousands  of  cattle  and  sheep 
grazing,  but  all  in  poor  condition.  There  are  canals  every- 
where, like  roads,  up  and  down  a  plantation,  and  they  have 
barges  to  gather  ul^  the  crops,  instead  of  wagons.  There  is 
so  much  water  everywhere  that  catde  were  sometimes  half 
submerged,  and  many  of  them  are  lost.  There  are  so  many 
fleas  and  insects  that  there  is  a  cowbird  which  we  saw  drop 
down  upon  one  of  the  cows  to  eat  the  insects.  It  is  an  odd 
sight.  The  cows  seem  to  enjoy  it  like  a  horse  does  the  curry- 
comb. There  are  alligators  by  the  hundreds  in  these  waters. 
People  and  cattle  bathe  in  them.  No  wonder  there  is  much 
fever.  Large  vultures  fly  in  the  air.  No  one  will  kill  one  of 
these  birds.  All  along  the  country  were  miles  of  water  lilies, 
the  beautiful  white  and  delicate  pink.  In  every  village  there 
would  be  a  white  or  colored  flag  raised  up  on  a  bean  pole. 
These  are  placed  to  keep  away  the  evil  spirits.     There  were 

161 


great  rice  plantations  that  are  largely  under  water,  and  large 
rice  factories.  We  pass  by  miles  of  sea  wall,  in  all  stages 
and  processes  of  construction.  The  sea  has  been  making  in- 
roads, and  the  new  wall  is  built  farther  back  on  the  land. 
The  spring  tide  was  in  (comes  in  every  fifteen  days),  and  there 
was  great  devastation  for  miles,  like  a  flood  along  the  Ohio, 
the  sea  being  over  in  the  country,  with  water  on  either  side 
of  the  narrow  road  we  were  traveling.  We  were  told  to  be  back 
by  3  P.  M.,  when  the  tide  returned,  for  if  we  were  caught  in 
it,  we  would  be  held  up  three  or  four  hours.  We  were  back 
before  two,  and  the  tide  was  rushing  in.  It  promised  to  be  a 
thrilling  experience  to  keep  ahead,  but,  thank  God!  we  went 
through  the  two  miles  or  more  in  safety.  When  the  tide  is 
coming  in,  the  rivers  turn  their  course,  and  will  carry  a  boat 
a  hundred  miles.  We  are  between  the  Orinoco  and  Amazon 
rivers. 

While  on  this  trip,  we  stop  at  a  Leper  Asylum,  with  400 
inmates.  It  is  so  awful  that  our  first  sight  of  a  half  dozen 
boys  gave  us  a  violent  headache.  These  were  only  ten  or 
twelve  years  of  age,  but  had  faces  like  old  men,  swollen  to 
twice  their  size,  full  of  sores.  They  all  hid  their  poor  hands. 
As  we  were  nearing  one  of  the  open  kitchens,  to  our  surprise, 
we  heard  several  voices  singing,  "Let  all  the  people  praise 
Thee,"  and  getting  to  where  we  could  see  the  singers,  we 
stopped  to  look  and  listen.  They  were  women  with  bright, 
happy  faces,  singing  and  clapping  their  stubs  of  hands.  How 
wonderful  it  sounded!  "Let  all  the  people  praise  Thee!" 
Are  we  doing  it?  How  ashamed  are  we  of  our  stiyted  praises. 
The  shock  of  seeing  these  lepers  in  their  loathesome  condition" 
was  almost  more  than  we  could  bear.  Brother  Beirnes  and 
others  have  preached  here.  The  superintendent,  matron,  and 
steward  treated  us  kindly,  and  arranged  for  special  services. 

162 


Perth 


Our  workers  are  welcome  to  come  here  at  any  time.     This  is 
an  open  door  to  get  these  poor  people  ready  for  Heaven. 

Last  evening  there  was  a  platform  meeting  at  the  church, 
and  four  of  the  bright  young  people  each  gave  a  well  pre- 
pared address.  God  has  His  hand  on  them,  and  they,  no 
doubt,  will  be  in  service  later  on.  Some  of  these  want  to 
come  to  the  Bible  School. 

Thursday,  March  14 

Early  this  morning  we  visited  the  grave  of  the  lamented 
and  beloved  Rev.  C.  O.  Moulton,  the  superintendent  of  the 
Christian  Mission,  whose  tragic  and  untimely  death  brought 
such  sorrow  to  God's  people  and  cause.  At  that  time  the 
work  was  sweeping  the  islands,  and  the  Anglican  and  Catholic 
Churches  were  trembling  with  the  strides  of  the  holiness  move- 
ment. Trouble  crept  in  of  such  a  nature  that  Brother  Moulton 
died  of  a  broken  heart.  One  here,  who  was  with  him  as  he 
went  Home,  heard  him  utter,  among  his  last  if  not  the  very 
last  words,  "Blessed  are  the  undefiled."  On  the  wooden 
board  at  the  head  we  found  these  words:  "In  loving  memory 
of  Cyrus  O.  Moulton,  born  Yanken,  W.  Va.,  July  24,  1872. 
Died  in  Georgetown,  Demarara,  S.  A.,  January  27,  1909, 
aged  thirty-six  years."  (He  was  so  young.)  "Crucified  with 
Christ."  How  true!  The  grave  is  in  a  dilapidated  condi- 
tion, and  as  a  tribute  to  the  memory  of  this  good  man,  we 
personally  are  responsible  for  having  a  new  railing  placed 
around  the  grave,  the  headstone  freshly  painted,  the  lettering 
retouched,  and  a  barrel  of  beautiful  white  shells  placed  upon 
the  grave.  This  is  a  custom  here.  There  is  real  joy  and 
satisfaction  in  doing  this  for  our  brother  whom  we  loved  for 
his  works'  sake.  We  picked  some  flowers  off  the  grave,  and 
are  sending  them  to  Sister  Moulton,  who  resides  in  the  States. 
On  one  side  it  is  surrounded  by  palm  trees,  and  nearby  rows 

165 


of  tall  Eucalyptus  seem  to  stand  guard.  Quite  close  is  the 
resting  place  of  Brother  John  Corrigan,  a  former  loved  student, 
who  assisted  Brother  Moulton.  He  joined  the  Church  Tri- 
umphant from  here.  They  await  the  Resurrection,  "until  the 
day  break,  and  shadows  flee  away." 

Our  work  is  the  outgrowth  of  his,  cmd  thousands  will  rise 
up  and  call  him  blessed.  God  loved  him  and  took  him  "from 
the  evil  to  come."  There  are  twelve  to  fourteen  funerals  here 
every  day.  The  death  rate  is  tremendous,  caused  Izu^gely  by 
fever. 


166 


DO  FOREIGN  MISSIONS  PAY? 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Eby 

Ask  of  the  dawn  that  is  breaJfing 

O'er  Eastern  lands  toda"^; 
As}(  of  the  souls  that  are  waking 

From    the   power    of   Satan's   swayi; 
Ask  of  the  long  nights  of  sadness 

That   now   are   passing   away 
And   changing   to    da'^s   of   gladness — 

Do  Foreign  Missions  pay? 

Ask   of    the   mountain    tops    shining. 

Where  each  blessed  Gospel  ray 
With  soft.   Warm,  rosy  light  glowing 

Gives  promise  of  coming  Day; 
Into  the  valleys  'tis  gliding — this  light — 

Down  to   the  shadows  gray; 
As  it  lifts  the  dark  veil  of  night — 

Do  Foreign  Missions  pay? 

Ask  of  the  transformation  wrought 

In  Mission  Homes  today 
On  thousands  of  children,  trained  and  taught 

To  walk  i"  the  Gospel  Way; 
Ask  of  the  stteam  of  fresh  young  lives 

That  is  pouring  forth  alway 
From  the  Mission  Schools  to  the  needy  fields — 

Do  Foreign  Missions  pay? 

Ask  one  of  the  native  converts. 

In  foreign  lands  today. 
Whose  dark  eye  glows  with   inward  peace 

As  he  kneels  to  God  to  pray; 
Ask  as   he   walks   with   the   low  Nazarene, 

Along  the  Calvary  Way, 
His  life  current  changed  from  the  blackness  of  sin — 

Do  Foreign  Missions  pay? 

— Selected. 
167 


CHAPTER  XI 
Trinidad 

On  Board  Steamer  Centelles,  Saturday,  March  16 

On  our  way  to  Trinidad.  All  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
as  we  were  not  supposed  to  take  any  public  part  in  the  services 
at  Georgetown,  it  was  best  to  go  on,  as  this  vessel  was  to 
leave  Thursday  night,  and  there  was  no  certainty  of  any  other 
until  the  27th.  We  have  visited  all  the  out-appointments, 
and  understand  the  work.  We  saw  both  the  Mission  halls 
in  which  the  work  first  begun — quite  a  contrast  to  the  beautiful 
little  church.  How  little  we  can  understand  or  appreciate  the 
pioneer  work  of  Brothers  Finch  and  Beirnes,  who  tramped 
the  streets,  hunting  for  a  place  among  strangers,  sleeping  as 
best  they  could.  Now  here  is  a  congregation  of  precious  saints 
whom  we  have  learned  to  love  during  our  short  stay  among 
them.  These  dear  people  kept  us  all,  with  plenty  of  eggs, 
fruits,  and  flowers.  They  presented  us  with  a  tin  of  cassava 
bread  to  take  home  (made  in  thin  round  slices,  larger  than  a 
cookie),  a  glass  of.  jelly,  two  cocoanuts,  etc.,  and  as  the 
steamer  was  about  to  leave,  a  beautiful  bouquet  of  flowers 
was  brought  us.  These  were  placed  upon  the  dining  room 
table  and  all  the  passengers  enjoyed  them.  In  commenting 
on  the  flowers,  we  heard  the  captain  remark  that  none  of  the 
flowers  in  the  tropics  have  perfume,  nor  do  the  birds  sing. 
They  have  beautiful  plumage,  but  are  silent.  How  very 
hiany  people,  who  though  beautiful  in  appearance,  etc.,  have 

168 


no  fragrance  to  their  lives,  or  songs  to  give.  They  have  never 
gone  through  God's  mill  of  discipline  of  suffering  and  sor- 
row,   for — 

"Out   of  the  presses  of  pain 

Cometh  the  soul's  best  wine; 
And  the  eyes  that  have  shed  no  rain 

Can  shed  but  little  shine." 

The  vessel  left  dock  at  six.  We  went  out  one-half  mile 
in  the  river  to  wait  for  the  tide  at  5  A.  M.  in  the  morning. 
Seven  or  eight  came  to  see  us  off.  We  bade  South  America 
and  these  dear  saints  goodby.  Brother  Schoombie  is  very 
brave.  He  shouted  up  from  the  pier,  "First  time  I  have  been 
left  alone  in  a  foreign  lahd.  Alone,  yet  not  alone."  He 
has  his  heart  and  hands  full,  and  has  taken  hold  with  a  will. 
We  are  sure  he  will  make  a  success. 

This  is  an  English  vessel,  straight  from  London,  returning 
with  a  cargo  of  sugar.  It  has  been  a  rough  sea,  so  much  so 
that  the  dishes  were  strapped  on,  which  did  not  have  to  be 
done  on  the  Parima.  We  came  on  board  without  a  care 
about  seasickness  and  have  been  perfectly  kept  this  time,  though 
shaken  tremendously.  Last  night  was  one  of  the  wildest  nights 
we  have  ever  gone  through.  We  could  scarcely  sleep.  It 
seemed  like  three  nights  in  one.  We  were  in  the  trough  of 
the  sea,  and  with  one  movement  our  head  would  go  away  over, 
and  had  there  been  an  opening,  we  could  easily  have  slipped 
into  the  ocean  head  foremost.  Then  on  the  other  side  could 
have  gone  feet  foremost.  This  kept  up  all  night  long,  and 
one  can  readily  imagine  the  effect.  While  it  was  the  heaviest 
and  the  dishes  sliding  on  the  table,  we  ate  dinner  with  the 
rest  of  them,  with  not  a  touch  of  nausea.  Thanks  be  unto 
God  who  is  causing  us  to  triumph!  "In  Thee,  O  Lord,  do 
I  put  my  trust"     We  knew  He  heard  our  cry  on  the  ocean 

169 


four  weeks  ago,  and  others  who  have  prayed  since.  Brother 
Finch  is  very  sick  again.     He  must  have  help  from  God. 

We  left  South  America  much  better  than  when  we  entered. 
God  graciously  kept  us  while  in  that  fever  district,  with  so 
much  rain,  and  mosquitoes  to  bring  disease.  The  chief 
steward  is  an  Indian,  the  second  steward  a  Spaniard,  one 
table  steward  an  Indian,  one  wireless  operator  and  Irishman, 
and  the  other  an  Englishman. 

We  are  nearing  Trinidad,  the  island  that  lies  in  the  mouth 
of  the  Orinoco  River,  just  off  the  coast  of  Venezuela,  with 
a  population  of  400,000.  We  are  approaching  it  from  the 
windward  side,  which  is  very  mountainous.  To  the  right  is 
the  island  of  Tobago.  This  is  the  island  where  Robinson 
Crusoe  was  shipwrecked. 

Trinidad  is  a  great  cocoa,  sugarcane  and  rice  producing 
country.  Port  of  Spain,  the  capital  and  harbor,  is  considered 
the  hottest  city  in  the  West  Indies,  as  it  lies  to  the  leeward, 
and  the  mountains  break  off  the  Trade  Winds.  Columbus 
discovered  this,  and  named  it  Port  of  Spain.  In  passing  in, 
we  are  so  near  the  mainland  of  South  America  a  stone  can 
be  thrown  to  either  the  islands  or  to  Venezuela.  Our  vessel 
is  also  lightened  of  its  load,  and  runs  lightly.  This  is  strictly 
a  Catholic  island.  Brother  Finch  made  this  his  home  for  two 
years,  and  traveled  here  to  different  points.  Little  Daniel  was 
born  here.  This  is  the  greatest  fruit  island;  tropical  fruits 
abound. 

We  had  a  most  interesting  interview  with  the  captain.  He 
was  sitting  on  one  side  of  the  deck,  smoking  his  pipe,  a 
typical  Englishman,  and  answered  to  the  picture  we  have  car- 
ried from  childhood  of  a  captain  of  a  vessel,  the  first  one  we 
have  seen;  large,  gray-haired,  full,  round  face,  bronzed  by 
the  sea,  kindly  gray  eyes,  gruff  voice,  a  whole-hearted,  genial 
soul.     He  told  us  he  had  been  traveling  back  and  forth  since 

170 


the  War  began.  This  was  an  oil  vessel,  and  valuable.  They 
were  only  fifteen  days  crossing  the  Atlantic,  and  did  not 
have  as  rough  a  time  as  we  had  last  night.  He  is  expecting 
to  return  with  2,000  tons  of  sugar.  They  are  allowed  one- 
half  pound  to  a  family  in  England.  It  is  the  brown  crystal 
sugar,  which  is  really  sweeter  than  the  granulated.  We  were 
given  three  pounds  of  this  to  take  home.  The  dark 
molasses  sugar  is  now  used  for  high  explosives.  The  young 
Irish  Wireless  boy,  a  lad  of  nineteen,  is  on  his  first  trip,  and 
was  so  bitten  by  the  mosquitoes  while  in  South  America  that 
he  looks  worse  than  a  person  with  a  full-grown  case  of  measles, 
and  his  face  and  hands  so  swollen. 

Land  is  in  full  sight  for  three  hours  or  more.  It  is  after 
3,  and  we  are  nearing  the  Bocus,  the  Spanish  name  for  enter- 
ing this  bay.  We  turn  completely,  and  the  view  is  beautiful; 
litde  islands  all  along  the  way  present  a  most  charmin?  sight 
on  either  side.  It  is  still  ten  miles  to  the  city.  We  see  a 
small  island  with  the  penitentiary  occupying  the  whole  island. 
1  he  men  work  in  a  stone  quarry ;  are  chained  so  they  cannot 
escape.     What  an  illustration  of  what  sin  does. 

"If  you  listen  to  the  devil, 

He  will  bring  you  to  his  level; 

If  you  listen  to  the  Spirit, 

You  will  heavenly  heights  inherit." 

Saturday,  March  16;  nearing  Port  of  Spain. 

Here  comes  a  submarine  chaser,  headed  our  way.  It  is 
a  most  interesting  little  craft,  painted  a  light  gray,  small  as 
a  steam  launch — an  ornament  to  the  sea.  It  comes  leisurely 
at  first,  then  tears  through  the  water,  and  we  wonder  why. 
Suddenly  it  stops,  and  the  captain  steps  to  the  side,  calls  up 
through  his  megaphone,  "Captain,  did  you  see  my  flag?" 
and  our  captain  answers  back,  "Yes,  I  got  mine  up  as  soon 
as  I  could."     He  evidently  was  not  pleased  that  it  was  not 

171 


up  before.  They  drop  back.  There  are  a  half  dozen  that 
watch  these  waters. 

The  city  of  Port  of  Spain  appears  in  the  distance.  It  is 
built  alongside  of  the  water,  sloping  back  to  the  mountains, 
which  make  a  pretty  background.  There  is  only  one  vessel 
in  harbor,  and  that  is  ready  to  sail  for  South  America.  There 
are  usually  a  dozen  or  more,  and  now  when  one  comes,  it  is 
an  interesting  time  for  the  city.  We  anchor  three  miles  out. 
Here  are  six  row  boats,  each  owner  calling  out  the  name  or 
number  of  hs  bort  eagerly  soliciting  passengers:  "Oh,  lady, 
remember  Victory!"  "Oh,  Missis,  don't  forget  29,  the  first 
boat!"  We  shake  our  head,  as  we  make  no  arrangements. 
Some  of  them  evidently  remember  Brother  Finch,  and  they 
call  him  "Reverend."  The  harbor  master  is  soon  on  board, 
our  passports  are  examined  and  passed,  and  then  there  is  a 
scramble  as  all  of  these  men  pour  in  and  beg  for  passengers. 
It  is  like  a  riot,  as  there  is  no  policeman,  usually  one  ahead. 
We  finally  get  in  a  boat,  trunks  and  all,  and  are  off  for  a 
three-mile  ride.  It  is  a  rough  sea,  the  waves  threatening  to 
engulf  us,  but  we  are  soon  over. 

As  we  came  so  unexpectedly,  there  was  no  time  to  write, 
so  no  one  was  there  to  meet  us.  We  have  found  comfortable 
quarters  for  the  Sabbath.  We  have  written  to  our  first  M.  E. 
Pastor  in  Michigan,  who,  with  the  Superintendent  of  the  Sun- 
day-school, encoiu-aged  our  first  missionary  attempts.  The 
church  seemed  to  recognize  something,  and  made  us  superin- 
tendent of  the  missionary  work.  How  little  did  they  dream 
that  the  timid  girl  they  were  encouraging  would  ever  plant 
foot  on  foreign  soil.  Even  at  this  late  day,  how  gratefully 
we  remember  their  sincere  kindness  and  interest.  God  wants 
yielded  and  adjusted  lives.  As  someone  has  said,  "Like  Gid- 
eon, our  greatest  handicap  is  often  our  strength,  and  our 
greatest  need  to  be  reduced  to  such  dimensions  that  there  shall 

172 


be  room  for  God."  Where  are  the  reapers  for  these  fields 
white  to  the  harvest?  Oh,  the  ache  in  our  heart  over  the  poor, 
neglected  millions  we  left  behind  in  South  America!  Will 
it  ever  be  eased?  We  can  only  bury  it  in  the  heart  of  God, 
and  wade  through  in  prayer,  as  with  everything  else. 

"To  the  millions  living  over  the  deep  blue  sea, 

Send  the  light!     Send  the  light! 
To  their  cry  of  pity,  dare  we  heedless  be? 

Send   the   light!    Oh,   send   the  light! 

"Send  the  light,  the  blessed  Gospel  light, 
To   the   souls  who   are  in   gloom  and  night, 
Souls    are    waiting,    and    the   fields    are   white, 
Send   the  light!    Oh,   send  the   light! 

Brother  Finch  says  that  if  he  did  not  have  a  family,  that 
this  is  where  he  would  want  to  give  his  life.  "Lift  up  your  eyes 
and  look  on  the  fields,  for  they  are  white  already  to  harvest." 
"For  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  shall 
be  saved."  "How,  then,  shall  they  call  upon  Him  in  whom 
they  have  not  believed?  and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a 
preacher?  (God  has  some  ready.)  And  how  shall  they 
preach  except  they  be  sent?  (Your  part,  beloved  friends.) 
As  it  is  written.  How  beautiful  are  the  feet  of  them  that 
preach  the  gospel  of  peace,  that  bring  glad  tidings  of  good 
things!"  It  is  all  before  you.  What  will  you  do  about  it? 
The  Indian  boy  said,  "We  want  the  Word  of  God  preached." 
"Faith  Cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  Word  of  Cod." 
May  God  take  this  burden  ofF  our  hearts,  and  place  it  on  those 
who  will  obey  Him! 

We  have  been  wondering  if  the  people  who  think  "we 
would  like  to  travel  as  you  are  doing,"  would  feel  the  same, 
if  they  went  through  all  the  varied  experiences — amusing, 
tiresome,  and  laborious.  Our  trunk  has  never  been  all  un- 
packed. We  are  living  in  it  and  our  suitcase,  and  almost  as 
soon  as  we  arrive  at  once  place,  make  arrangements  for  the 

173 


next.  Usually  at  the  last,  pack  all  our  belongings  in  haste, 
until  grip  and  hand-grips  are  more  like  a  junk  shop  than  any- 
thing else.  There  are  so  many  delays  and  irregularities  one 
cannot  control,  and  we  just  yield  to  circumstances  and  let 
them  come  and  go.     This  is  missionary  life. 

Port  of  Spain,  Trinidad,  Monday,  March  18 

We  had  really  dreaded  coming  here  on  account  of  the  heat, 
but  every  time  the  Lord  gets  ahead  of  our  fears,  and  "tem- 
pers the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb,"  The  weather  is  delightful. 
It  is  •  so  cool  at  nights  one  needs  extra  covering.  It  is  the 
effect  of  the  cold  in  the  north,  they  tell  us.  There  is  a  sap- 
podilla,  a  pawpaw,  and  a  lime  tree  in  the  yard,  and  every 
time  they  give  us  a  drink  of  lemonade  (or  rather,  limeade),  a 
boy  goes  to  the  tree  for  a  lime.  We  have  never  tasted  such 
oranges  as  they  have  here.  We  do  not  want  to  hurt  Califor- 
nia's feelings,  but  they  are  certainly  superior  to  theirs;  never 
any  frost  here,  and  they  are  sunkissed,  indeed. 

On  Saturday  night  Brother  Finch  hunted  up  our  native 
worker, .  and  he  and  his  family,  with  the  people  who  dropped 
in,  were  so  rejoiced  to  see  him,  they  acted  like  children.  It 
was  like  seeing  a  much-beloved  father.  We  have  never  wit- 
nessed anything  that  has  touched  us  more  than  their  love  and 
joy  on  seeing  him.  He  was  here  two  years,  and  these  people 
are  equally  dear  to  him. 

There  is  no  white  missionary  here  now,  and  the  work  is 
not  what  it  should  be.  Brother  Finch  is  burdened  to  have 
some  one  come  at  once.  Here  is  a  cry  for  help,  as  elsewhere. 
He  preached  yesterday  morning,  to  the  comfort  and 
edification  of  the  Christians,  and  last  night  to  the  unsaved. 
There  was  a  full  house,  and  as  many  on  the  outside.  On 
the  way  to  the  Misson  we  stopped  at  a  Hindu  temple,  a 
small,  criide  affair.     No  one  is  allowed  inside  with  their  shoes 

174 


on,  so  we  stood  at  the  door.  The  priest  was  just  through 
worshiping,  and  soon  came  to  the  door,  at  the  "salaam"  of 
Brother  Finch.  He  was  almost  nude,  with  long,  black  hair 
and  beard.  He  could  not  sp>eak  English.  A  crowd  soon 
gathered;  one  of  them  could  interpret.  He  brought  a  picture 
of  his  "god,"  and  all  around  the  little  temple  were  pictures 
of  prophets.  His  pallet  was  on  the  floor  in  one  corner,  a 
firepot  in  another,  and  it  was  more  like  a  hovel  than  a  temple. 
These  ignoramt,  superstitious  people  almost  worship  him,  and 
depend  on  him  to  pray  them  through.  Oh,  how  darkened  are 
their  minds!  Further  on  was  a  large  Catholic  church,  full 
of  worshipers.  We  stepped  up,  and  a  gowned  usher  invited 
us  in.  He  is  a  Hindu,  speaks  good  English,  and  told  us  he 
was  the  school  teacher  for  the  parish.  Brother  Finch  asked 
to  have  an  interview  some  time,  and  he  readily  assented.  We 
passed  through  a  village  of  thousands  of  these  Hindu  people. 
Something  must  be  done.  This  is  as  great  and  needy  field  as 
South  America. 

"O  where  are  the  reapers,  O  who  will  come, 
To  share  in  the  glory  of  the  harvest  home? 
O  who  will  help  us  to  garner  in, 
The  sheaves  of  good  from  the  fields  of  sin!" 

Thursday,  March  19 

We  spent  two  hours  shopping,  trying  to  find  some  good, 
Panama  hats.  We  found  them,  very  reasonable,  also  some 
post  cards,  for  the  missionary  album.  It  was  a  real  pleasure 
to  go  through  the  stores  and  streets.  The  public  buildings, 
parks,  etc.,  are  more  beautiful  and,  on  the  whole,  the  city 
more  desirable  and  attractive  than  any  yet  visited.  Returning, 
we  saw  a  funeral  of  one  of  the  wardens  of  the  prison.  It 
was  after  4  o'clock  when  they  were  on  their  way  to  the  church. 
The  procession  was  headed  by  all  the  policemen  employed  at 
the  prison,   followed  by  the  hearse,  then  a  long  line  of  men, 

175 


friends,  all  dressed  in  long  coats  and  stove-pipe  hats.  Then 
came  a  hundred  or  more  women,  dressed  in  white,  and  the 
carriages  with  flowers.  All  walk,  even  though  it  may  be 
miles. 

Brother  Hill,  one  of  the  subscribers  to  the  Revivalist, 
called  on  us.  He  used  to  be  an  agent  when  he  lived  in 
South  America,  and  spoke  so  much  of  the  work  in  Cincinnati, 
that  we  are  sure  he  has  followed  up  the  work  closely.  He 
had  named  his  oldest  son  "Martin  Wells,"  and  today  he 
sent  his  car  for  our  use,  the  chaffeur  taking  us  first  to  their 
country  home,  nine  miles  out,  where  we  met  the  family,  in- 
cluding Martin  Wells.  We  had  prayer,  and  a  pleasant  call. 
They  gave  us  a  half  dozen  cocoanuts,  guavas  and  a  pumpkin, 
fresh  from  the  vine. 

We  then  went  on  to  Chaguanas,  the  out-appointment, 
reaching  there  at  1 0  o'clock.  It  was  a  most  delightful  ride 
through  great  estates  of  cocoa  and  cane  and  orchards  of  limes. 
Coffee  is  also  raised  here.  A  shower  laid  the  dust  and  cooled 
the  air.  The  native  worker  and  his  wife  were  filled  with  joy 
at  seeing  Brother  Finch.  Brother  Patrick  gave  one  leap, 
throwing  his  arms  around  him,  and  their  pleasure  was  beautiful, 
laughing  with  glee  and  delight.  They  could  hardly  control 
themselves  the  rest  of  the  stay.  When  they  parted  before,  it 
was  to  meet  at  the  "Rapture,"  and  now  God  let  them  meet 
on  earth  again.  They  have  lived  here  five  years,  and  God 
has  blessed  their  faithful  efforts.  This  work  has  such  a 
footing  now,  and  is  so  well  established,  that  buildings  are 
an  absolute  necessity.  Here  is  where  they  had  a  gracious 
revival,  and  ten  are  ready  for  baptism — one  Indian  and  one 
Catholic  among  the  number.  Here  is  a  three-point  circuit, 
and  all  need  their  own  church  buildings.  One  has  a  cement 
foundation  laid,  the  present  structure  being  a  "wattle"  build- 
ing, the  sides  made  of  woven  bamboo,  and  plastered  over  with 

176 


mud.  The  roof  is  good,  and  caji  be  used  on  the  new  one. 
The  owner  of  the  ground  is  an  Indian,  and  gives  a  life  lease 
as  long  as  it  is  used  for  "Gospel  purposes."  Seeing  him  and 
the  son,  they  were  asked,  in  case  of  his  death,  would  it  be 
continued.  The  son  readily  assured  us  he  would  gladly  grant 
the  lease.  How  beautiful  to  hear  him  say,  "We  want  the 
Word  of  God  preached!"  There  is  one  denomination  which 
is  educating  them,  and  if  we  can  come  in  with  the  light  of 
Full  Salvation,  what  a  harvest  there  will  be!  Do  you  not 
see  it? 

This  is  in  a  section  where  there  are  thousands  of  souls 
waiting  for  us.  It  will  take  $700  to  put  up  the  three  build- 
ings. Has  God  the  ear  of  someone  who  will  listen  to  His 
voice?  "Whatsoever  He  saith  unto  you,  do  it."  This  has 
all  been  gone  over  carefully  with  Brother  Finch.  We  write 
nothing  on  this  line  without  his  approval.  He,  with  all  these 
missionaries,  both  American  and  native,  are  giving  heart, 
brain,  nerves,  life,  all — giving  what  no  one  in  the  homeland 
can  understand  or  appreciate,  without  being  right  here.  Shall 
we  withhold  from  them  the  little  we  can  give  to  lighten  their 
heavy  burdens?  Buildings  are  an  absolute  necessity  here.  In 
the  first  place,  we  cannot  have  a  cemetery  or  burial  ground, 
unless  we  have  the  church  building.  The  churches  here  will 
not  allow  us  to  bury  in  theirs,  but  as  soon  as  we  have  a  church 
building,  the  government  will  allow  land  for  the  cemetery. 
These  dear  native  people  have  an  aversion  to  being  buried 
in  the  potter's  field,  and  hesitate  about  coming  to  a  church 
that  has  no  burying  place  of  its  own.  Second,  they  also  have 
an  aversion  to  rented  halls,  and  are  made  to  believe  by  the 
priest  that  the  missionaries  have  not  come  to  stay,  but  will 
soon  leave  them.  Third,  the  marriage  question  is  one  of  the 
most  important  of  all.  So  many  of  the  people  have  lived 
together,  raised  families,  and  are  not  married,  and  before  a 

177 


marriage  ceremony  can  be  performed,  there  must  be  a  church 
building,  licensed  by  the  Government,  and  the  couple  to  be 
married  must  have  their  names  annoUlnced  three  successive 
Sundays  in  the  congregation.  This  is  called  publishing  the 
"bans."  The  Gospel  we  preach  shows  the  people  that  they 
cannot  live  this  way,  and  at  the  same  time,  we  carmot  marry 
them  without  the  buildings.  They  will  not  "license"  rented 
buildings.     Will  you  help  -us  get  them? 

Friday,  March  22 

We  hoped  to  be  off  for  Barbados  on  the  same  vessel  that 
brought  us  here,  but  it  was  filled  with  soldiers  for  England. 
We  even  offered  to  sleep  the  one  night  in  the  steamer  chairs 
in  the  sitting  room,  but  the  captain  refused  to  permit  a  lady 
to  come  on  board  without  a  stateroom,  so  we  are  providen- 
tially held  here  until  April  2,  unless  some  other  vessel  comes 
which  is  not  expected.  How  we  would  like  to  spend  Easter 
in  Barbados!  However,  we  had  all  prayed  so  definitely  for 
God  to  open  or  close  the  door,  as  it  pleased  Him,  so  we  feel 
satisfied  He  wants  us  here,  and  we  have  more  than  one  indi- 
cation that  we  are  in  His  will.  There  is  plenty  to  do.  The 
wife  of  the  native  preacher  is  very  low  with  fever.  Brothers 
Finch  and  Biernes  have  been  twice  to  pray  with  her.  What 
a  loss  her  going  would  mean  to  her  family! 

This  afternoon  we  spent  two  hours  at  an  exhibit  of  all 
the  products  of  this  island.  It  was  an  education  of  itself, 
most  instructive.  Here  were  nine  kinds  of  sugar  made  from 
the  sugarcane,  "war  bread,"  made  of  the  meal  from  bananas, 
cassava,  dasheem  and  sweet  potatoes.  It  is  most  palatable 
and  nutritious.  Cocoanut  butter  is  now  made  from  the  cocoa- 
nut,  selling  at  50  cents  per  pound.  It  is  becoming  quite  an 
industry,  and  the  uses  made  of  the  cocoanut  is  quite  a  story. 
We  want  to  write  the  Revivalist  children  about  it.     Most 

178 


of  the  island's  products  were  shown  today,  the  great  varieties 
of  fruits  and  vegetables  being  most  bewildering. 

Port  of  Spain,  Saturday,  March  23 

Early  this  morning  we  took  our  first  ride  in  the  trains  here, 
and  our  first  good  sight  of  a  passenger  coach.  They  are 
divided  in  first,  second,  and  third  classes.  Very  few  ride  in 
the  first — half  a  coach  filled  with  black  leather  cushioned 
seats;  otherwise,  no  better.  The  second  class  is  like  it,  minus 
the  cushions.  The  third  class  coach  is  divided  into  compart- 
ments, two  long  seats  across  the  car,  emd  closed  in.  The 
poor  crowd  these.  The  coaches  are  smaller  than  our  caboose, 
with  small  windows.  The  engine  is  so  small  and  odd,  com- 
pared to  our  wonderful  mechanism.  There  was  one  freight 
coach,  and  the  freight  seemed  largely  tied  up  in  burlap  bags. 
When  ready  to  start,  the  brakesman  will  call  out,  "Right! 
right!" 

We  went  through  miles  of  jungle,  where  the  snakes  and 
animals  live — plenty  of  monkeys,  etc.  The  wildest  of  the 
animals  are  in  the  moulitains.  Brother  Beirnes  tells  us  he 
was  entertained  in  a  home  where  he  could  hear  the  monkeys 
screeching  at  night.  How  we  would  like  to  see  them!  We 
rode  through  beautiful  estates  of  sugarcane,  cocoa,  and  limes, 
with  Indian  villages,  of  which  we  never  tire.  Then,  on  a 
little  steamer,  we  reach  the  vicinity  of  Pitch  Lake.  Pitch 
Lake  is  one  of  the  wonders  of  the  world,  the  second  only 
of  its  kind,  the  other  being  in  Venzuela.  This  pitch  is  shipped 
all  over  the  world.  The  industry  is  owned  and  run  by  an 
American  company,  in  the  name  of  the  English.  It  is  fifty 
miles  from  Port  of  Spain,  on  a  high  point  overlooking  the 
beautiful  blue  waters  of  the  bay.  In  recent  years,  tjiey  have 
discovered  oil.  They  have  a  refinery,  and  are  now  shipping 
to  the   surrounding  islands.      This   was    formerly   all   jungle. 

179 


The  Americans  have  so  cleared  the  land,  and  sowed  grass, 
that  it  is  now  perfectly  sanitary,  or  as  nearly  so  as  can  be 
made  in  these  lands.  What  looked  like  home  was  to  see  the 
homes  screened.  The  reason  screens  are  not  used  freely,  is 
because  they  rust  so.  On  the  outside  of  the  doors  are  these 
signs:  "Close  one  door  before  opening  the  next."  "Kill 
the  mosquito."  They  are  considered  a  carrier  of  deadly  dis- 
ease, and  are  fought  here  and  in  Panama.  It  is  a  credit  to 
the  United  States,  the  work  the  Americans  have  done  here, 
and  the  industries  they  have  opened  up.  We  were  heartily 
welcomed,  shown  every  courtesy,  and  given  a  good  lunch  at 
the  hotel.  They  were  glad  to  see  American  faces.  One  of 
the  Americans  employed  by  the  company  kindly  took  us 
down  to  the  lake.  In  the  language  of  another,  we  give  you 
this  description:  "It  is  very  weird,  conveying  with  it  an  irre- 
sistible suggestion  of  hell.  Carrying  with  it  a  strong,  sulphur- 
ous smell,  possessing  an  air  of  feverish  desolation  not  far  re- 
moved from  the  abomination  spoken  of  by  the  prophet.  Im- 
agine a  swamp  lying  stretched  out  upon  a  plateau,  on  the  crest 
of  a  hill ;  here  and  there  some  coarse,  half-dead  vegetation,  or 
a  solitary  cocoanut  palm  dropping  its  leaves  with  a  dissipated 
air.  All  around  is  stifling  smell  and  sweltering  heat.  Above, 
tropical  sun  at  its  worst;  below,  the  burning,  black,  blistering 
pitch.  Everything  is  black,  and  for  the  eye,  there  is  no  relief. 
The  glaring  sun  denies  it,  the  burning,  smelling  mass  beneath 
our  feet  knows  it  not.  The  trees  and  shrubs  speak  only  in 
despair."  This  was,  indeed,  "The  land  of  deserts  and  of 
pits,  and  of  the  shadow  of  death,  where  no  man  dwelt."  The 
black  pitch  is  carried  one  mile  away  from  the  lake  to  the 
vessel,  on  an  endless  cable  leading  down  to  the  pier.  There 
are  numberless  buckets,  holding  nearly  a  ton,  gliding  to  and 
fro  over  this  cable.  It  is  quite  a  sight,  and  as  they  near  the 
pier,  they  are  seized,  and  quickly  inverted,  and  the  contents 

180 


put  into  the  hold,  with  a  noise  like  a  rock  hurled  from  a  height. 
These  ships  carry  this  to  every  part  of  the  world. 

It  is  easy  to  believe  this  lake  is  an  extinct  volcano,  because 
in  spite  of  the  fact  that  thousands  of  tons  of  pitch  are  being 
taken,  it  is  rising  all  the  time,  and  around  the  edges  there 
are  numberless  holes  where  it  is  oozing  out.  However,  we 
found,  while  walking  across  the  lake,  the  pitch  was  solid 
enough  to  hold  us  up,  but  when  we  stopped,  we  at  once 
began  sinking.  It  gave  a  dizzy  feeling,  and  we  were  glad 
to  get  off.  They  had  been  shipping  from  here  over  thirty 
years,  the  revenue  bringing  the  Government  two  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  yearly.  In  the  great  oil  fields  surrounding  this 
lake  there  was  one  well,  flowing  thousands  of  barrels  yearly, 
that  has  not  flowed  a  drop  of  oil  since  three  weeks  ago,  when 
an  earthquake  shook  this  island.  "In  his  hands  are  the  deep 
places  of  the  earth." 

Sunday,  March  24 

A  baptismal  service  was  held  this  morning  about  five  miles 
in  the  country,  with  eighteen  candidates,  the  converts  of  both 
the  city  and  country  appointments.  Both  of  the  native  pastors 
were  there  with  their  people,  many  of  them  walking  the  five 
miles  in  and  out.  The  service  was  held  among  the  foot  hills 
beside  a  cool,  running  mountain  stream,  surrounded  by  a  lux- 
urant  growth  of  bamboo  trees.  They  are  like  our  weeping 
willow,  making  it  a  cool  place,  and  one  of  the  prettiest  spots 
of  nature.  Probably  seventy-five  people  had  gathered  on  the 
banks  of  the  little  stream,  while  on  the  knolls  and  hillsides 
were  others  to  witness  the  ceremony.  On  the  opposite  side,  a 
group  of  Indians  sat  upon  the  rocks.  The  bright  sunshine, 
blue  sky  and  fleecy  clouds,  made  it  altogether  a  picturesque 
scene,  one  we  will  long  remember,  and  for  the  sweet  presence 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Two  or  three  songs  were  sung.     Brother 

181 


Tucker  prayed,  then  Brother  Beirnes  read  and  commented  on 
Mark  1  :4.  He  showed  the  need  of  true  repentance  and 
change  of  heart,  without  which  baptism  will  avail  nothing. 
The  two  pastors  each  spoke  briefly.  Then  Brother  Finch, 
leading  each  one  into  the  water,  inquiring  of  them  their  true 
state  of  grace,  baptized  them  one  by  one.  There  were  two 
converted  Catholics  and,  to  our  joy,  one  Indian  man  among 
them.  Just  before  baptizing  him.  Brother  Finch  laid  his  hand 
on  his  head  and  prayed  that  he  might  be  a  blessing  to  his 
people.     Pray  for  Abraham  H. 

To  us  it  was  a  beautiful  and  unique  occasion — something 
we  had  never  witnessed  before.  A  real  desire  came  to  us  to 
walk  in  and  be  baptized  ourself.  Brought  up  a  Methodist, 
baptized  in  infancy,  we  are  supposed  to  be  satisfied;  but 
somehow  we  feel  we  have  missed  a  blessing  in  not  having  it 
done  when  we  realized  what  it  meant  after  we  "believed." 

Port  of  Spain,  Wednesday,  March  27 

We  are  enjoying  the  stay  here.  It  is  very  hot  during  the 
daytime,  but  cool  at  night,  and  we  have  not  suffered  from 
the  heat,  and  have  been  kept  from  insects,  etc.,  that  we  looked 
for  here  and  in  South  America.  Brother  Finch  has  been 
preaching  to  our  people  in  St.  James,  where  they  have  rented 
a  hall.  Last  night  he  preached  on  the  text,  "If  a  man  die 
shall  he  live  again?"  He  had  the  great  joy  of  seeing  a  back- 
slider come  home  to  God;  a  young  man  with  a  beautiful  tenor 
voice,  who  used  to  help  him  in  all  the  open-air  services.  After 
he  had  prayed  through,  begging  for  mercy,  he  stood  and 
sang,  "I'll  live  for  Him  who  died  for  me,"  giving  a  ringing 
testimony  that  he  did  not  just  believe,  but  "^neip"  God  had 
restored  the  backslider.  There  surely  was  joy  on  earth  as 
well  as  in  Heaven.  Others  were  at  the  altar  and  were  blessed. 
Brother    Beirnes   preached   a   stirring   sermon   Sunday   night. 

182 


This  young  man,  with  another  of  promise,  blessedly  sanctified 
and  established,  have  abundantly  paid  us  for  the  delay  here, 
if  there  were  none  else.  The  native  pastor's  wife  is  much 
better.  He  is  a  godly  man,  and  much  beloved  by  his  flock. 
We  hear  there  are  ten  fat  letters  at  Barbados,  and  we  are 
looking  for  them  today  on  a  vessel  from  there. 

We  visited  the  Leper  Asylum  yesterday,  on  the  outskirts 
of  the  city.  They  have  500  inmates,  black  and  Indian  people, 
and  more  entering  every  day.  They  have  a  beautiful  location 
on  the  hillside  under  the  shelter  of  the  mountains.  We  were 
taken  through  a  woman's  ward,  then  one  containing  little 
girls  from  five  to  sixteen  years  of  age.  The  sight  of  them 
was  too  much,  and  we  asked  to  leave.  Think  of  your  child, 
disfigured,  swollen,  hideous,  until  even  they  hid  their  faces 
from  us!  Oh,  the  awful  picture,  and  to  be  there  for  life, 
enduring  a  slow  death! 

"Over  and  over;  yes,  deeper  and  deeper, 

My  heart  is  pierced  through  with  life's  sorrowing  cry." 

Chaguanas,  Thursday,  March  28 

We  came  out  here  last  night.  Were  here  only  a  few  hours 
before,  and  the  people  wanted  to  have  preaching  services. 
How  intensely  appreciative  they  are.  They  are  to  have  "Mount- 
ing Up,  No.  2."  as  their  new  song  book,  so  with  Brother 
Finch  we  sang,  "The  Old  Rugged  Cross,"  "The  Pilot,"  and 
others,  which  were  entirely  new  to  them,  but  to  our  great  sur- 
prise they  sang  after  us,  word  for  word.  The  hall  was 
filled,  and  people  standing  all  around,  and  in  the  streets. 
Brother  Finch  was  filled  with  his  subject:  "Receiving  the  Holy 
Ghost,"  and  six  or  seven  earnest  seekers  were  at  the  altar. 
One  of  these  was  a  converted  Catholic  woman  who  had  been 
one  of  the  most  wicked  and  notorious  characters  of  this  village 
— drank,  cursed,  and  fought  the  magistrate.     When  she  went 

183 


to  church,  always  carried  her  knife  in  her  waist  and  thought 
it  nothing  to  stab  people  at  any  time.  She  was  so  wicked 
that  her  Catholic  mother  wept  for  joy  when  she  was  saved, 
and  begged  our  workers  to  keep  praying  and  working  for  her. 
After  she  was  saved,  the  first  time  she  testified  in  the  open-air 
service,  the  street  was  black  with  people.  They  shouted  as 
she  exhorted  them  to  give  up  their  sins.  The  sergeant  of 
the  police  force  came  to  her  euid  rejoiced  over  her  salvation, 
and  said  he  would  watch  her.  Others  gave  her  money,  and 
told  her  if  she  would  keep  true,  they  would  help  her.  She 
was  baptized  last  Sunday.  Pray  for  this  trophy  of  redeeming 
grace.  The  preaching  of  the  Gospel  has  not  lost  its  power. 
Hallelujah! 

The  Mission  home  is  in  the  back  of  the  hall,  and  so  sur- 
rounded by  cocoanut  trees  that  the  big  palm  leaves  sweep  the 
roof,  and  it  sounds  like  rain. 

We  had  a  taste  of  real  missionary  life.  We  slept  on  a 
West  Indian  bed,  which  consisted  of  thin,  cocoanut  fibre  mat- 
tress with  straight  boards  for  springs.  One  must  be  a  sound 
sleeper  not  to  be  disturbed  by  some  of  the  following  noises, 
kept  up  all  night:  mosquitoes  around  the  bed,  bats  by  the 
dozen  over  our  heads  in  the  building,  while  dogs,  cats,  don- 
keys, roosters  and  Indians  kept  up  ther  noise  in  turn,  and 
sometimes  all  together.  However,  our  native  pastor  and  wife, 
with  the  saints  at  this  place,  made  up  with  true  native  hos- 
pitality, made  our  stay  one  to  be  remembered.  While 
here  we  secured  a  lot,  and  started  the  Chaguanas  church  build- 
ing. Brother  Beirnes,  understanding  carpentry,  and  having 
experience  in  building  four  other  churches,  is  working  on  this. 
We  felt  it  best  to  do  this  before  his  leaving  for  America.  We 
had  enough  money  to  buy  the  frame,  which  cost  $73.50,  so 
by  faith  we  have  gone  ahead.  The  people  of  the  village  were 
so  glad  to  have  it  started,  even  East   Indians  offering  their 

184 


Mrs.  Knapp  anp  an  Inpian  Mother 


assistance.  One  road  inspector  said  he  would  help,  and  others 
have  promised  also.  Their  limited  wages  make  their  offerings 
small. 

Four  years  ago  the  work  on  Trinidad  was  in  a  flourishing 
condition.  Five  Missions  were  in  operation,  crowds  were 
attending,  and  revivals  were  on.  But  all  this  was  in  rented 
halls,  owned  largely  by  Catholics.  Could  holiness  churches 
have  been  erected  then,  a  great  work  could  have  been  estab- 
lished. The  enemy  saw  his  opportunity,  and  got  behind  the 
owTiers.  Some  of  them  made  the  workers  leave,  others  raised 
the  rent  until  we  could  not  pay  it,  and  some  regular  supports 
for  workers  were  cut  off.  This  was  such  a  blow  that  but 
two  of  the  missions  survived,  but  we  have  three  now.  How- 
ever, many  souls  that  are  now  scattered  will  be  regathered,  if 
we  can  get  substantial  buildings  and  the  needed  missionaries 
at  once.  When  the  work  was  at  its  best,  one  of  the  halls  was 
in  "Hell's  Kitchen,"  on  one  of  the  most  notorious  streets,  in 
one  of  the  most  wicked  spots  on  earth.  Here  the  people  of 
almost  all  nationalities  walk  the  streets  most  of  the  night,  buy- 
ing and  selling,  smoking  and  drinking,  carousing  and  living 
in  lust  and  sin.  God  was  blessing  the  work  in  this  district. 
Scores  sought  God  at  the  altars — harlots,  drunkards  and  Sod- 
omites— and  many  prayed  through.  Brother  Finch  says  this 
was  his  first  experience  in  seeing  a  Sodomite  at  the  altar.  One 
of  the  things  the  people  talk  of  today  is  the  early  morning 
street  marches.  The  whole  church  gathering  at  5  o'clock, 
marching  three  or  four  abreast  through  the  most  thickly  settled 
district  of  the  city,  singing  Gospel  songs  ,and  occasionally 
stopping  at  a  street  corner  to  pray,  testify  and  exhort.  As 
they  went,  their  numbers  would  increase.  People  have  con- 
fessed since,  that  when  they  heard  the  singing  so  early  in  the 
morning,  before  daylight,  they  rushed  from  the  house,  thinking 
the  end  had  come.     On  Sunday  night,  one  hour  before  service, 

187 


they  would  march  around  several  blocks,  singing  and  holding 
open-air  service,  and  the  crowd  outside  of  the  church  would  be 
as  large  as  the  one  inside.  Pray  with  us  that  God  will  give 
us  the  money  and  misssionaries  that  these  means  of  grace  may 
be  revived  and  kept  up  until  Jesus  comes.  We  are  looking 
forward  to  even  greater  times. 

Friday,  March  29 

We  returned  to  the  city  this  morning.  It  is  Good  Friday, 
and  holiday  here.  Not  a  store  is  open,  and  only  passenger 
trains  run.  Streets  are  deserted,  and  all  is  more  quiet  than  on 
the  Sabbath.  The  island  is  leu-gely  Catholic,  and  all  go  to 
church.  The  men  dress  in  black,  the  women  in  white,  but 
with  a  black  ribbon.  Their  main  food  today  is  salmon,  sweet 
oil,  a  salad  of  watercress  and  lettuce.  Near  the  depot  was 
the  largest  Catholic  church,  and  we  stepped  into  it  for  a  few 
moments.  The  place  -was  filled  with  worshipers,  dressed  in 
Easter  clothing,  all  kneeling  and  reading  their  prayer-books. 
The  Bishop  sat  on  the  pulpit,  and  three  or'four  people  dressed 
him  in  a  special  garb.  He  read,  sang  and  prayed,  but  no 
one  could  understand  it,  as  it  was  all  in  Latin.  They  went 
through  one  form  after  another,  and  we  left  with  aching  hearts 
over  the  duped,  deceived  and  humbugged  people.  On  the 
walk  home,  we  passsed  the  Anglican  church  (Church  of  Eng- 
land), and  it  is  so  like  the  Catholic.  They  are  almost  the 
same;  they  went  through  so  much  form.  What  a  need  there 
is  for  a  strong  holiness  church  where  the  way  of  salvation  is 
made  plain.  We  are  expecting  to  see  it  brought  to  pass.  We 
went  to  see  a  lot  centrally  located,  and  hope  to  secure  this, 
and  later  have  a  good  church  building.  We  are  going  ahead 
like  we  expect  God  and  His  people  are  back  of  us.  We 
count  on  you. 

188 


Our  ten  letters  were  not  forwarded,  so  we  must  patiently 
wait  another  week.  We  are  quite  accustomed  to  it  now,  and 
taking  that  with  other  things  as  part  of  missionary  life.  Brother 
Finch  preached  to  the  saints  last  night,  and  there  was  a  full 
altar  again.  The  woman  referred  to  was  there,  and  greatly 
blessed.  She  is  following  hard  after  God,  and  He  will  lead 
her  and  the  others  into  clear  light.  As  the  testimonies  were 
given,  it  was  very  evident  that  a  real  work  was  done  in  more 
than  one  heart.  How  refreshing!  They  enjoyed  some  more 
new  songs.  About  4  P.  M.  an  Indian  masquerade  began.  We 
saw  them  start  their  procession,  a  half-dozen  men  singing  and 
beating  instruments.  Quite  a  crowd  followed.  At  night  we 
could  hear  them. 

Brother  Beirnes  took  us  to  the  main  street,  where  they  were 
seated  on  an  old  rug  in  a  store.  Here  they  had  played  and 
sang  for  hours,  and  p>ossibly  all  night.  It  was  both  weird  and 
hideous.  The  priest  was  the  leader,  with  cymbal,  drum  and 
another  instrument.  They  made  the  village  know  they  were 
there.  There  was  no  music  in  their  loud  singing,  though  they 
sang  in  one  accord,  sometimes  rising  to  almost  frenzy.  Poor, 
deluded  beings!  They  marched  by  the  hall  while  Brother 
Finch  was  preaching,  but  he  adroitly  held  the  attention  of  the 
people,  and  there  was  no  lack  of  interest.  This  morning  at 
5  o'clock  the  Hindu  priest  awakened  the  people  with  his 
prayer,  sounding  more  like  a  bawling  of  an  animal  than  the 
voice  of  a  human  being.  This  he  does  the  year  around.  With 
all  these  sights  and  sounds,  we  truly  feel  we  are  in  a  heathen 
country. 

Saturday,  March  30 

Last  night  Brother  Finch  held  another  platform  meeting 
here,  all  the  native  workers  (four  of  them),  giving  short  ser- 
mons, while  two  of  the  wives  testified.     It  was  the  best  held 

189 


yet.  We  are  enthusiastic  and  delighted,  and  feel  like  shouting 
back  to  the  homeland  people,  "Missions  pa^!  Missions  pay!" 
For  freedom,  utterance,  sermonizing  and  unction,  these  brethren 
are  among  the  best,  and  not  to  be  ashamed  of.  This  is 
not  to  the  discredit  of  those  spoken  of  in  other  places,  for  these 
men,  with  the  exception  of  one,  have  had  more  experience. 
A  crowd  was  there,  and  the  altar  filled.  This  hall  is  not  large 
enough  to  hold  the  people. 

This  has  been  a  busy  day.  Yesterday  was  a  holiday. 
Stores  closed  today  at  noon.  Monday  is  another  holiday,  and 
as  we  sail  early  Tuesday  morning,  everything  had  to  be  at- 
tended to  this  morning.  One  of  the  business  men,  a  cocoa 
manufacturer,  said  if  we  would  call  at  his  place,  he  would 
give  us  samples  of  the  cocoa  bean,  etc.,  to  take  home.  He 
took  us  through  his  new  factory,  where  we  saw  the  process 
of  making  the  cocoa  into  powdered  form;  also  the  chocolate 
into  sticks,  and  their  newest  product — candy  chocolate  bars. 
It  was  most  interesting.  This  is  something  entirely  new  and 
promises  them  quite  a  revenue.  We  appreciated  tha  samples 
of  candy,  chocolate  sticks,  beans,  and  coca  butter,  etc.,  besides 
eating  all  we  cared  for. 

One  of  the  young  men  attending  the  Mission  years  ago,  was 
to  be  married  today  at  2,  at  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Church, 
and  invited  us  to  be  present.  As  it  was  but  a  few  squares 
away,  we  went.  It  was  a  double  wedding  and  the  bridal 
party  were  at  the  altar  as  we  entered.  The  two  brides  were 
dressed  in  white,  wath  veils  and  wreaths.  This  is  a  city  of 
roses,  and  they  were  in  great  profusion.  It  was  a  pretty  scene. 
The  ceremony  was  brief,  all  read  from  a  book.  We  only 
expected  to  go  to  the  church,  but  some  of  the  friends  urged 
us  to  go  to  the  reception  at  the  home,  and  gave  us  seats  in 
the  carriages  at  the  door.  There  was  a  crowd  to  welcome 
the  bride.      We  were  all  seated  in  the  dining  room,  at  the 

190 


wedding  table,  which  was  loaded  with  the  feast.  The  center 
of  attraction  was  the  wedding  cake,  a  pyramid,  eighteen  inches 
high,  white  frosting,  trimmed  with  silver,  with  a  bouquet  to 
crdwn  it.  A  wedding  is  made  much  of  here,  and  is  a  joyful 
occasion.  We  were  made  welcome  guests,  and  the  delight 
of  many  was  very  evident  in  seeing  and  greeting  Brother  Finch, 
as  he  was  again  among  old  friends.  He  returned  thanks  with 
great  freedom  and  blessing.  He  is  very  partial  to  the  song, 
"Come  and  Dine,"  and  as  we  were  seated  at  the  table,  he 
burst  out  with, 

"Come  and  dine,  the  Master  calleth,  Come  and  dine, 
You  may  feast  at  Jesus'  table  all  the  time; 
He  who  fed  the  multitude,  turned  the  water  into  wine. 
To  the  hungry  calleth  now.  Come  and  dine." 

And  as  we  sang  the  last  verse, 

"Soon  the  Lamb  will  take  His  bride,  to  be  ever  at  His  side, 

All  the  host  of  Heaven  will  assembled  be; 
Oh,   'twill  be  a  glorious  sight,  all  the  saints  in  spotless  white, 

And  with  Jesus  they  will  feast   eternally." 

the  Holy  Spirit  fell  on  the  company,  and  there  were  tears, 
laughter,  shouts  of  rejoicing  and  clapping  of  hands.  Jesus 
was  in  the  midst,  and  He  blessed  hearts.  It  was  like  camp- 
meeting.  It  is  a  custom  here  to  have  their  weddings  at  Easter 
time.  We  saw  three  other  bridal  parties.  They  all  take  a 
ride  around  the  city  after  the  reception.  We  closed  the  day 
by  going  to  an  East  Indian  village,  and  had  our  photo  taken 
with  a  mother  and  her  children. 

Easter  Morning,  March  31 

The  bells  are  ringing  out  the  glad  story;  flow^ers  and  sun- 
shine usher  in  a  beautiful  day.     He  is  risen  indeed! 

"Welcome  happy  morning!  age  to  age  shall  say, 
Jlell  today  is  vanquished;  Heaven  is  won  today! 
Lo!   the  Dead  is  living,  God  is  evermore, 
Him  their  true  Creator,  all  His  works  adore!" 

191 


"If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope  in  Christ,  we  are  of  all 
men  most  miserable.  But  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead 
and  become  the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept." 

On«  of  the  native  workers  gave  a  blessed  Easter  message 
thi«  morning,  and  after  administering  the  Lord's  Supper  in 
the  evening.  Brother  Finch  preached  to  a  crowded  house. 
Brother  Beirnes  was  also  greatly  blessed  at  Chaguanas. 

Monday,  April  1 

We  are  packed  up  ready  to  sail  again.  Before  we  left  the 
States,  a  good  brother  in  Wisconsin  sent  in  $100,  and  wrote 
us  that  we  could  place  this  where  it  was  most  needed  on  the 
field.  After  much  prayer,  deliberation  and  consultation  with 
Brother  Finch,  we  have  decided  to  use  it  in  the  repcur  of  the 
"Wattle"  church,  at  the  Junction  on  the  Chaguanas  circuit. 
What  pleasure  this  has  given  us!  When  the  members  of  the 
church  are  through  with  their  cane  harvest,  they  will  do  most 
of  the  work,  with  the  native  pastor  to  oversee  it.  The  bride- 
groom sent  us  som.e  wedding  cake  today  to  take  with  us. 

Apriil  2 

We  had  a  farewell  service  last  night,  before  we  are  half 
over  the  field.  But  as  Brother  Beirnes  is  leaving  for  home, 
and  we  the  island,  it  was  thought  appropriate  to  hold  a  fare- 
well service.  It  was  very  touching.  The  native  pastor,  in  a 
few  beautiful  opening  remarks,  made  us  feel  the  welcome  and 
appreciation  our  visit  had  given  them,  and  the  joy  they  had 
in  seeing  Brother  Beirnes  have  a  well-earned  rest  and  change. 
Brother  Beirnes  followed  in  a  most  fitting  and  appropriate 
talk  on,  "Occupy  till  I  come,"  urging  the  people  to  stand  true 
and  be  ready  when  He  comes,  knowing  that  they  could  meet 
then,  if  not  again  on  earth.  How  they  love  and  appreciate 
these  shepherds  who  have  come  to  them!     We  followed  with 

192 


a  farewell  song,  and  a  few  words,  assuring  them  we  felt  we 
were  returning  to  be  a  home  missionary  in  stirring  up  the 
people  to  see  the  needs  of  the  field.  After  we  have  been  in 
a  place,  we  become  interested  in  and  love  the  people  until 
there  is  greater  heartache  on  leaving  them  thin  when  we  left 
the  homeland.  How  keenly  we  felt  this  as  we  looked  on  some 
of  their  faces,  no  doubt  for  the  last  time.  The  people  crowded 
up  to  shake  hands,  and  what  blessings  they  did  give  us !  Here 
was  a  crowd  of  boys,  standing  at  the  window,  all  wanting  to 
bid  us  goodby,  even  they  saying,  like  all  the  rest,  "A  safe 
passage."  Brother  Finch,  alert  to  every  opportunity,  suddenly 
asked  if  there  were  not  spme  who  wanted  the  missionary  party 
to  pray  for  them,  and  several  hamds  went  up,  among  them  the 
hand  of  a  beautiful  Indian  girl,  who  had  come  up  to  b  d  its 
goodby.  We  had  studied  her  sad  face.  She,  with  three 
others,  knelt  at  the  altar.  We  learned  then  that  she  had  been 
a  trusted  worker,  had  had  a  wonderful  experience,  but  in  tha 
hour  of  temptation  had  sinned,  and  thought  no  one  loved 
her  or  cared  for  her.  With  weeping,  confession,  and  deep 
repentance,  she  came  back  to  the  Lord,  and  He  freely  forgave 
and  restored  her.  "Neither  do  I  comdenm  thee:  go  and 
sin  no  more."  What  a  story  of  suffering,  anguish,  remorsa 
and  shame  had  been  hers,  as  she  told  us  her  story!  Truly 
there  is  no  peace  for  the  backslider.  How  we  wish  we  could 
give  you  her  testimony,  word  for  word,  as  she  poured  out  the 
sorrow  of  her  life,  but  we  were  so  intensely  interested,  we 
forgot  to  write.  Pray  for  this  restored  child  of  the  people 
for  whom  our  hearts  are  burdened.  Brothers  Finch  and 
Beirnes  are  so  full  of  joy  at  her  return  to  God,  they  felt  it 
paid  for  the  trip  to  the  West  Indies. 

"Ring  the  bells  of  Heaven,  there  is  joy  today, 
For  the   wanderer   now  is   reconciled; 

See  the  Father  meets  him  out  upon  the  way, 
Welcoming   His   weary,   wandering   child." 

193 


We  all  feel  something  of  the  joy  which  is  akin  to  Heaven. 
May  some  wanderers  come  home  as  they  read  these  lines. 
On  Board  Steamer  Chaleur,  Monday,  April  2,  11  a.  m. 

On  the  Royal  Mail.     We  are  off  for  Barbados.     Just  left 

the  dear  people  on  the  pier  behind.  Such  a  benediction  rests 
upon  our  hearts  as  we  think  of  them.  Some  eight  or  nine 
came  to  see  us  off.  A  beautiful  bouquet  of  roses  was  given 
for  the  voyage  at  the  last  moment.  A  dear  old  woman  came 
with  two  dozen  oranges.  One  of  the  beautiful  pictures  we 
will  carry  on  memory's  walls  will  be.  these  faces  as  they 
smiled  and  waved  the  goodbys.  We  tenderly  commit  them 
to  God. 

"Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds 

Our   hearts   in   Christian   love; 
The   fellowship   of  kindred   minds 

Is   like   to    that    above. ' ' 

We  came  in  unannounced  and  unwelcomed.  How  changed 
the  scene!  A  steam  launch  carries  us  the  three  miles  to  the 
steamer.  An  unsp>oken  prayer  finds  its  way  to  God  for  the 
island  of  Trinidad,  that  all  that  is  on  the  heart  of  Brother 
Finch  may  be  realized.  We  have  no  church  building  of  our 
own  in  the  great  city  of  Port  of  Spain,  with  its  60,000  souls. 
We  have  just  one  rented  hall  and  it  is  in  a  distant  East  Indian 
suburb.  The  crying  need  is  a  church  building  of  our  own, 
centrally  located,  where  the  scattered  sheep  who  love  the 
doctrine  as  taught  by  the  missionaries  can  be  gathered.  We 
tried  to  negotiate  for  a  beautiful  lot  that  is  for  sale,  but  could 
not,  for  lack  of  funds.  Brother  Finch  expects  to  return  in 
the  course  of  a  few  months,  and  hopes  by  that  time  to  be  able 
to  buy  and  build.  Brothers  Coone,  George  and  Will  Beirnes 
have  all  spent  some  time  here,  giving  their  best.  There  is  no 
missionary  here  now,  and  no  place  that  needs  one  more. 

194 


Barbados,  Tuesday,  April  3 

We  reached  here  at  6  A.  M.,  and  are  still  in  the  harbor, 
waiting  for  the  Harbor  Master  to  come.  We  were  kept  from 
seasickness,  thank  God!  Brother  Finch  stayed  on  deck  all 
night.  He  was  not  as  sick  as  usual,  which  is  encouraging. 
Brother  Slater  is  here  to  meet  us,  and  we  are  off  and  soon 
at  the  Finch  home  with  a  joyous  welcome.  Here  we  find 
fifteen  letters  from  the  States.  "As  cold  water  is  to  a  thirsty 
soul  so  is  good  news  from  a  far  country."  How  good  they 
are  after  their  long  delay!  What  news  they  contain,  some 
glad,  some  sad,  etc.  My  aged  mother  has  had  a  stroke  of 
paralysis,  and  may  be  in  glory  now.  If  it  pleases  God,  I 
trust  to  see  her  again.  What  I  am,  I  owe  to  her  faithful 
prayers.  This,  with  all  else,  is  definitely  committed  to  a 
loving  Heavenly  Father,  who  is  faithful  to  comfort  and  keep. 
This  is  just  another  phase  of  missicnary  life. 


195 


CHAPTER  XII 
Folk  Lore  and  Popular  Superstition 

We  also  want  to  give  you  something  of  the  lore  of  the 
countries  and  have  copied  some  from  a  book  on  "Trinidad." 
This  is  a  fair  description  of  the  popular  superstition  of  the 
peasantry  of  the  islands. 

In  treating  of  the  folk  lore  of  any  country,  one  is  sure 
to  find  upon  close  examination  that  most  of  it  bears  a  strong 
family  resemblance  to  that  of  some  other  country,  and  men 
who  have  made  a  profound  study  of  the  subject  have  come  to 
the  conclusion  that  the  folk  lore  of  all  races  was  derived 
originally  from  one  common  stock  and  goes  to  prove  the 
Biblical  assertion  that  God  made  of  one  blood  all  nations 
to  dwell  upon  the  face  of  the  earth. 

Ghosts,  of  course,  stand  at  the  head  of  the  list.  These 
are  firmly  believed  in  by  our  Trinidad  peasantry,  and  many 
and  various  are  the  sayings  as  to  how  you  are  to  act  when 
you  meet  with  them  and  what  precautions  you  ought  to  take 
against  them. 

First,  you  are  told  that  when  a  corpse  is  leaving  the  house, 
the  water  in  which  it  has  been  bathed  must  be  thrown  out 
after  it,  or  else  the  ghost  will  haunt  the  house.  For  the  same 
reason  it  must  be  carried  out  feet  foremost,  for,  however  much 
we  may  have  loved  the  person  while  living,  after  he  dies  we 
have  no  desire  for  his  compamy.  Ghosts,  it  seems,  are  often 
with  us,  only  we  cannot  see  them.     If,  however,  anyone  hun- 

196 


gers  after  the  excitement  of  seeing  ghosts,  it  is  said  that  a 
little  of  the  humor  of  the  eye  of  a  white  horse  put  into  one's 
own  eye,  will  impart  the  questionable  gift! 

Country  folk  warn  you  that,  if  accosted  at  night  by  a 
solitary  traveler  and  asked  a  light  from  your  cigar,  you  must 
not  accede  to  the  request  without  first  making  the  sign  of 
the  cross,  as  the  solitary  one  may  be  a  ghost,  in  which  case 
it  will  immediately  disappear!  They  also  say  that  it  is  not 
wise  to  call  any  person's  name  loudly  in  a  lonely  place,  as 
there  may  be  ghosts  about,  who  may  catch  the  name,  and, 
by  repeating  it  continually,  cause  the  owner  of  it  to  pine 
away  and  die.  It  is  necessary,  however,  for  the  ghost  to  get 
your  real  name  in  order  to  harm  you;  hence  it  is  that  almost 
all  of  the  country  folk  have  nicknames  for  everyday  use,  and 
keep  their  real  patronymic  for  state  occasions  only  christenings, 
marriages,  sales,  etc.).  A  countryman  may  have  been  chris- 
tened by  his  godfather  and  godmother  Theophilus  Adolphus 
Smith,  but  he  will  probably  be  known  by  his  friends  and 
acquaintances  as  "Mistah  Sonny,"  and  any  bailiff  or  tax 
collector  who  may  want  to  serve  him  with  a  writ  or  notice 
will  scarcely  discover  him  under  that  appellation.  If,  how- 
ever, he  goes  to  a  doctor  for  a  prescription,  he  will  give  him 
his  real  name;  for  he  considers  that  as  a  kind  of  obeah? 
and  since  it  is  held  that  the  acquisition  of  the  real  name  is 
necessary  to  work  obeah  successfully  upon  any  one,  so  also  the 
real  name  is  necessary  if  the  doctor's  prescription  is  to  do  any 
good. 

After  dark  you  are  cautioned  not  to  stand  in  a  doorway 
in  such  a  way  as  would  prevent  another  person  from  passing 
through;  for  there  may  be  a  ghost  that  wants  to  pass 
through,  and  it  may  touch  you,  when  you  will  feel  a  sudden 
sickness  in  the  region  of  the  stomach,  and  your  head  will 
swell  to  four  or  five  times  its  usual  size!      Since  "jumbies" 

197 


(the  local  appellation  for  ghosts)  are  able  to  enter  through 
closed  doors,  it  is  strange  that  they  should  be  so  particular 
about  room  in  going  through  doorways ! 

When  eating,  if  a  titbit  falls  from  your  fork  to  the  ground, 
leave  it  there,  as  it  is  some  "jumbie"  who  wants  it,  and  if 
you  should  pick  it  up  and  eat  it,  you  would  get  sick.  They 
are  also  particular  to  always  leave  a  little  of  anything  they 
drink  in  the  bottom  of  the  glass  and  spill  it  on  the  ground 
as  a  libation  to  the  "jumbies."  Besides  the  usual  "jumbie," 
there  is  said  to  be  a  dwarf  specimen  called  "Duaine"  in  the 
Creole  patois,  which  is  supix)sed  to  be  the  ghost  of  babies 
who  have  died  before  they  were  christened.  They  haunt 
lonely  places  in  the  night  and  utter  plaintive  cries,  like  those 
of  a  lost  child.  Should  some  compassionate  traveler  be  in- 
duced to  seek  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  those  cries,  he  is 
lured  farther  and  farther  by  its  receding  into  the  wcod-,. 
until  he  tumbles  into  some  pool  and,  as  he  sinks  under  the 
foetid  waters,  he  hears  the  diabolical  laugh  of  the  "Duaine" 
as  it  goes  off  to  seek  another  victim.  These  little  folk  must 
have  learnt  a  lot  of  wickedness  during  the  short  time  they 
sojourned  in  this  world! 

There  is  another  specimen  of  ghost  called  a  "Diabless" 
(meaning  she-devil).  They  are  supposed  to  be  human  beings 
who,  by  dealings  with  the  Evil  One,  have  acquired  the  power 
of  changing  themselves  at  will  into  any  animal  which  they 
wish  to  simulate,  and  to  increase  or  diminish  in  size.  Thus, 
belated  travelers  have  given  accounts  of  meeting  a  woman 
on  the  road,  of  ordinary  dimensions;  but,  hearing  the  person 
following  them,  the  traveler  has  looked  back  and  been  sur- 
prised to  observe  that  she  has  grown  several  inches  since  he 
passed  her!  Instinctively  he  quickens  his  steps  to  get  out  of 
the.  vicinity  of  this  lusus  naturae,  but  she  quickens  her  steps, 
too,  and  is  evidently  bent  upon  overtaking  him.     After  cov- 

198 


ering  a  lot  of  ground  in  quick  time,  he  again  casts  a  glance 
at  his  unwelcome  companion,  and  observes  with  horror  that 
she  has  added  another  cubit  to  her  stature,  and  is  bidding 
fair  to  rival  Goliath  of  Gath.  With  his  hair  on  end  he  takes 
to  his  heels  and  rushes  home,  still  pursued  by  the  ever-growing 
"Diableness,"  until  he  reaches  his  house  and  slams  the  door 
after  him;  the  creature  peeps  in  with  fiery  eyes  through  the 
skylight,  utters  a  strident  "Hah!  hah!  hah!"  and  with  the 
remark  "Ou  tini  bonheur"  (you  are  lucky),  disappears,  leav- 
ing the  traveler  in  a  limp  and  exhausted  condition. 

Another  species  of  diabolic  hybrid  is  the  "Soucoyan," 
which  is  firmly  believed  in  by  our  peasantry.  This  creature  is 
a  man  or  woman  who  has  the  power  of  taking  his  or  her  skin 
off  (just  as  we  take  off  our  shirts),  acquiring  by  this  per- 
formance the  ability  to  fly  in  the  air,  like  Macbeth's  witches, 
to  go  through  keyholes,  and  such  like  uncanny  proceedings. 
The  "Soucoyan's"  ideal  of  bliss  is  a  hearty  draught  of  blood 
sucked  from  the  hitman  heart;  so,  having  divested  itself  of  its 
skin  at  midnight  (it  can't  perform  this  operation  before  1 2 
midnight,  or  after  dawn),  it  hides  the  skin  under  a  mortar, 
then  rises  into  the  air,  appearing  to  the  eyes  of  any  one  who 
happens  to  be  abroad  at  that  witching  time  like  a  great  ball 
of  fire,  and  with  a  shrill  screech,  enters  the  house  of  the 
unfortunate  it  has  selected  for  its  victim  (through  the  keyhole 
or  under  the  door),  and  coolly  proceeds  to  suck  the  blood 
from  its  heart.  The  victim  is  meanwhile  cast  into  a  deep  sleep. 
Before  daybreak  it  flies  back  to  the  mortar  and  reinvests  itself 
in  its  skin.  Why  it  should  use  a  mortar  especially  to  hide 
its  skin  under  I  am  unable  to  say;  but  it  suffices  that  "all 
the  'Soucoyan'  skins  which  have  been  discovered  (? )  have 
been  found  under  mortars."  Let  me  add  just  here,  as  old 
Herodotus  used  to  do:  "This  I  have  never  seen  myself,  but 
I  was  told  so." 

199 


The  way  to  protect  yourself  from  the  unwelcome  visitations 
of  a  "Soucoyan"  (if  you  suspect  that  one  has  cast  its  eye 
upon  you)  is  to  scatter  rice  around  your  bed  as,  strange  to 
say,  by  a  wise  dispensation  of  providence,  the  creature  is 
compelled  to  stop  and  pick  up  the  rice  grains  one  by  one 
before  it  can  begin  its  bloody  meal,  so  if  you  are  liberal 
enough  in  rice  the  dawn  will  break  before  it  can  accomplish 
the  task,  and  it  will  be  obliged  to  fly  away  in  search  of  its 
skin — very  much  disgusted,  no  doubt,  at  being  unfairly  de- 
prived of  its  meal.  Persons  who  are  subject  to  the  visitations 
of  the  "Soucoyan"  gradually  pine  away  and  die  from  utter  de- 
bility. The  recipe  for  catching  a  "Soucoyan"  is,  when  one  is 
seen  flying  through  the  air,  to  search  diligently  under  all  the 
mortars  that  are  about,  and  if  you  find  the  skin,  sprinkle  it  well 
on  the  under  side  with  fine  table  salt,  then  possess  your  soul  in 
patience  until  the  owTier  comes  back  and  hastily  dons  it, 
when  the  smarting  of  the  salt  enlre  chair  et  peau  will  cause  him 
or  her  to  yell  with  pain  and  jump  about,  and  thus  betray  itself 
in  the  sight  of  all  men,  when  roasting  over  a  slow  fire  is 
recommended  as  a  suitable  wind-up! 

Another  recipe  for  balking  the  attentions  of  a  "Soucoyan" 
is  to  draw  a  circle  with  chalk  on  the  floor  around  your  bed, 
which  they  are  unable  to  cross,  for  some  reason  unknown. 
Any  old  woman  who  is  grumpy  and  unsociable  in  a  village, 
and  further  has  the  white  of  her  eyes  red,  is  generally  sus- 
pected of  being  a  "Soucoyan."  The  red  eye  is  held  to  be 
an  infallible  sign.  It  may  be  that  the  Violent  contortions 
necessary  to  "peel"  themselves  is  the  cause  of  the  bloodshot 
eyes. 

The  "Diabless"  is  credited  with  the  power  of  changing 
itself  into  the  shape  of  various  animals,  most  often  a  black  pig 
or  white  goat,  and  performing  the  same  feat  of  suddenly 
increasing  its  stature  to  an  immense  size,  apparently  with  the 

200 


sole  object  of  frightening  people  into  fits.  It  is  certainly  a 
more  reasonable  thing  to  have  dealings  with  than  the  heartless 
"Duaine"  or  bloody  "Soucoyan,"  as  its  prime  amusement 
seems  to  be  coarse  horseplay. 

The  belief  in  buried  treasure  is  very  common  in  Trinidad, 
and  there  is  always  some  ghostly  being  in  connection  with  it, 
and  it  is  explained  that  the  connection  comes  thus:  In  the 
Spanish  days  of  the  occupation  of  Trinidad,  there  were  no 
banks,  and  wealthy  men  consigned  their  silver  and  gold  to 
the  bosom  of  Mother  Earth  whenever  they  took  a  far  journey, 
or  there  was  an  alarm  of  an  enemy  in  the  offing.  The  rich 
man  made  his  slave  dig  a  hole  in  a  suitable  place,  where  he 
deposited  his  valuables,  and  in  order  that  he  might  not  divulge 
his  secret  to  anyone,  the  cruel  Spaniard  simply  knocked  him 
on  the  head;  hence  the  ghost  of  the  murdered  slave  became 
the  guardian  of  the  treasure,  and  will  allow  no  one  to  dig 
it  up  until  he  or  she  promises  to  expend  some  of  the  money 
in  having  masses  said  for  the  repose  of  its  soul.  This  spirit 
is  said  to  seek  out  persons  who  will  be  likely  to  "act  on  the 
square,"  and  in  a  dream  indicates  the  place  where  the  cache 
is,  and  promises  to  give  it  to  the  lucky  one  if  the  promise  of 
masses  is  faithfully  kept.  Should  some  other  person  get 
wind  of  the  treasure,  and  attempt  to  dig  it  up,  the  spirit  will 
cause  it  to  sink  ten,  twenty,  or  thirty  feet  into  the  earth,  so 
as  to  frustrate  their  designs,  bringing  it  up  again  to  the  surface 
when  the  right  person  comes  for  it.  Should  the  favored  one, 
however,  play  the  ghost  false,  and  not  expend  the  stipulated 
amount  in  masses  (as  is  very  likely),  it  is  averred  that  the 
money  never  does  him  any  good — and  serves  him  right!  Lots 
of  people  can  be  found  who  will  give  you  veracious  accounts 
of  persons  who  have  suddenly  become  wealthy  by  having 
buried  money  given  to  them  by  the  spirits,  but  I  have  never 

201 


met  one  person  who  would  plead  guilty  to  the  soft  impeach- 
ment, owing  probably  to  their  extreme  m»desty. 

Of  course  the  belief  in  the  influence  of  the  evil  eye  flourishes 
vigorously  among  both  town  and  country  folk.  It  is  known 
locally  as  "Mai  Jo"  (a  corruption  of  the  Spanish  Mai  de  ojo 
— i.  e.,  evil  of  the  eye).  The  evil  eye  is  credited  with  a  lot 
of  damage  to  cultivation  which  a  botanist  would  attribute  to 
blight,  fungus,  etc. ;  and  the  rural  agriculturalist,  instead  of 
studying  horticulture,  seeks  for  protection  for  his  fields  of 
beans,  potatoes,  etc.,  by  planting  on  his  border  fence  a  certain 
inedible  bean  called  horse-bean,  which  is  credited  with  being 
an  effective  protection  for  growing  crops  against  the  evil  eye. 
Fruit  trees  in  the  towTis  are  protected  by  having  a  rusty  nail 
driven  into  their  trunks,  while  business  people  protect  their 
shops  by  nailing  a  rusty  horseshoe  upon  their  doors.  The 
protection  for  infants  (who,  it  is  asserted,  are  very  subject  to 
evil  eye)  is  to  tie  a  string  of  jet  beads  on  their  wrists;  a  little 
silver  or  gold  cross  in  addition  greatly  strengthens  the  charm. 

The  belief  in  luck  is  also  very  strong  and  there  are  numer- 
ous recipes  for  securing  it.  Hucksters  carry  a  "pheg"  of 
garlic  in  their  purses  to  bring  good  luck.  The  seed  of  the 
quassia  tree  is  called  "good-luck  seed,'  and  is  also  carried  in 
the  purse  or  pocket;  but  a  bit  of  rope  with  which  someone  has 
been  hanged  is  considered  as  the  most  powerful  luck-bringer ! 
You  may  sometimes  see  a  huckster  in  the  morning  call  a  little 
boy  to  take  the  money  of  her  first  sale  from  a  female  customer 
and  hand  it  to  her.  That  is  because  her  first  child  was  a 
boy,  and  she  therefore  has  no  luck  with  females. 


202 


Rev.  R.  G.  Finch,  Mrs.  Knapp  with  an  Indian 
Mother  and  Family 


CHAPTER    XIII 

Nevis 

Barbados,  Saturday,  April  6 

It  is  good  to  be  at  "home"  a  few  days.  I  am  taking 
dinner  with  both  the  Beirnes  and  Slater  families;  a  nice  visit 
with  each.  Sister  Slater  is  better.  Brother  Beirnes  has 
booked  to  sail  April  the  25th.  The  Finch  children  are  de- 
lighting in  their  father's  presence.  What  a  sacrifice  it  is  for 
him  to  be  gone  weeks  at  a  time,  only  few  can  appreciate- 

We  spent  an  hour  in  Brother  Moulton's  last  home,  just 
outside  the  city — a  quiet,  restful  spot.  The  present  owner 
gave  the  use  of  the  house  to  Brother  Finch  for  six  months  or 
more,  when  he  was  out  before. 

Have  just  received  a  letter  from  Brother  Miller,  one  of 
the  ten  boys  who  went  to  Japan.  What  a  treat  to  hear  from 
one  of  them!  He  writes,  "This  finds  me  back  on  the  dear 
old  'Mount  of  Blessings.*  I  have  traveled  46,000  miles  in 
my  life,  but  never  run  across  a  place  so  precious  as  this  dear 
old  Hilltop." 

We  sail  tonight  at  10  o'clock  for  Nevis,  the  first  Northern 
Island. 

Sunday,  April  7 

We  are  on  board  the  Guiana,  our  old  friend  and  home 
for  two  weeks.  It  is  good  to  get  back.  Th's  is  the  best  of 
all  the  vessels  we  have  sailed  on.      On  the  others  we  were 

205 


favored  with  a  stateroom  to  ourselves,  this  time  it  is  so  crowded 
— tourists  returning  to  New  York — that  we  have  as  com- 
panion a  sweet  old  lady,  and  we  have  to  take  the  upper  berth, 
"upstairs,"  we  call  it;  have  a  ladder  to  get  up.  But  slept  fairly 
v/ell. 

Brother  Finch  is  not  sick  at  this  time,  nor  are  we.  It  is 
cause  for  rejoicing.  A  rough  sea  last  night,  but  the  ship  is 
so  heavily  loaded  with  3,000  hogsheads  of  molasses,  that  it 
is  sailing  smoothly.  Children,  how  many  gallons  are  there? 
Our  baggage  was  sent  to  the  wharf  in  the  afternoon,  and  when 
we  came  at  seven  o'clock,  a  crowd  of  men  were  watching  it 
like  vultures,  and  as  the  auto  appeared  they  gathered  around, 
begging  for  the  opportunity  to  take  the  baggage  aboard  the 
vessel,  and  there  was  such  excitement  that  two  officers  had  to 
dispel  them.  It  was  pitiful,  for  we  knew  back  of  it  was  the 
crying  need  of  each  one  to  earn  the  money  they  could  make. 

We  are  at  St.  Lucia.  Right  before  us  in  the  harbor  is  a 
French  man-of-war,  bristling  with  guns,  with  a  thousand  men 
on  board.  This  is  the  first  we  have  seen,  and  has  one  of 
the  greatest  wireless  systems  there  is.  They  carry  cows  to 
supply  milk.  We  could  see  the  cows  looking  out  of  their  sheds 
on  the  upper  deck.     They  have  the  best  accommodations. 

Our  wireless  young  man  hunted  us  up  and  we  had  an 
interesting  interview.  He  would  like  to  prepare  for  the  min- 
istry, but  is  serving  the  Government  while  the  war  lasts.  He 
would  enjoy  going  direct  to  the  Bible  School.  Keep  praying 
for  him.-  While  in  Georgetown  he  says  Brother  Schoombie 
came  out  to  the  ship  to  see  him.  The  governor  of  St.  Lucia 
sent  a  most  wonderful  bouquet  of  roses  to  the  vessel.  They 
are  placed  in  the  center  of  the  dining  room,  where  we  can  all 
enjoy  them. 

We  are  very  grateful  for  the  kind 'words  coming  to  us  from 
those  who  are  enjoying  the  Diary. 

206 


Wednesday,  April  9 

We  passed  Martinique,  Dominique  and  Guadalupe.  We 
only  stop  at  some  places  for  mail,  but  remained  at  Dominique 
all  day  yesterday,  taking  on  cargo.  1,500  bbls.  of  limes 
were  brought  out  by  small  row  boats.  In  some  parts  they 
will  not  allow  the  large  barges.  We  spent  the  day  writing. 
The  trip  has  been  very  pleasant  We  have  not  only  been 
kept  from  seasickness,  but  for  the  first  time  we  have  been 
perfectly  normal  and  natural,  free  from  any  miserable  top- 
heavy,  unpleasant  feelings.  It  is  a  great  relief  and  cause  for 
extreme  thankfulness.  The  worst  is  yet  to  come  when  we  go 
on  sailing  vessels  between  the  islands,  where  steamers  do 
not  go. 

After  4  P.  M.  yesterday  our  wireless  friend  was  on  duty 
and  invited  us  to  his  little  station  on  top  deck.  It  was  a  little 
room  filled  vyith  wireless  apparatus.  He  said  at  times  he 
could  send  messages  as  far  as  New  York,  and  had  had  one 
call,  "Save,*0  Save." 

We  went  over  to  see  the  "deckers," — those  who  travel  on 
deck  in  the  extreme  end  of  the  vessel,  the  stem.  We  go 
down  the  ladder  through  the  freight  department  and  up  an- 
other ladder.  Here  was  a  motley  crowd — three  boys  who 
were  just  brought  on  as  prisoners,  seventeen,  eighteen  and 
twenty-five  years  of  age.  Two  had  stolen  money  and  clothes, 
the  other  had  taken  cocoanuts.  The  sentence  of  the  older 
one  is  eighteen  months,  the  others  some  less.  Brother  Finch 
talked  to  them  on  "The  way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard." 
They  admitted  they  had  not  gained  anything.  Two  insane 
men  and  two  women  were  in  the  charge  of  an  officer.  One 
woman  was  tied,  but  the  rest  were  harmless. 

There  were  at  least  thirty  people  in  a  small  space  of  1  0x20 
feet.  They  had  the'r  boxes,  bags,  baskets,  and  tied-up  bun- 
dles.    A  few  had  steamer  chairs,  but  the  most  had  to  rest 

209 


on  their  baggage,  on  the  floor,  or  any  way  they  could.  They 
go  this  way  sometimes  for  days.  Brother  Finch  and  other 
missionaries  have  gone  this  way  many  times. 

We  have  just  stopped  at  Antigua  and  Irene  came  on  to 
go  with  us.  How  good  it  is  to  have  her.  She  is  hke  a  tonic. 
She  has  been  with  Sister  Coone  since  Brother  Coone's  death. 
She  will  be  with  us  on  these  islands.  We  are  passing  Nevis 
now.  The  large  vessels  do  not  stop  here,  so  we  go  around 
to  St.  Kitts,  and  talce  a  sailing  vessel  and  ride  eleven  miles 
back.  Irene  says  we  have  left  all  the  beauties  behmd,  com- 
paring this  with  the  other  islands,  but  it  has  a  beauty  all  its 
owTi.  "Ben  Nevis,"  the  highest  mountain,  rises  5,000  feet, 
and  the  clouds  are  nearly  always  resting  on  the  top.  What 
a  sight!  We  are  passing  by  the  back  of  the  island  and  can 
see  "Glngerland,"  one  of  the  out-stations.  The  little  town 
Charleston,  is  right  down  on  the  beach,  while  the  fields  stretch 
back  to  the  mountains,  plantations  of  cane,  with  their  smoke- 
stacks and  factories  standing  out  in  bold  relief,  the  little  homes 
dotting  the  hillside  here  and  there.     It  is  a  beautiful  sight. 

Nevis,  Wednesday,  April  10 

Reached  the  island  of  St.  Kitts  about  3  P.  M.  Brother 
King  came  out  in  a  row  boat  to  meet  us,  and  we  were  soon 
landed,  passed  customs "  zuid  the  usual  regime.  We  posted 
letters,  bought  some  cards  and  saw  a  little  of  the  pretty  towns. 
This  is  the  most  beautiful  Island  in  the  West  Indies;  the  view 
ft"om  the  steamer  cannot  be  described.  We  tried  to  find  a 
postal  view,  giving  a  fair  description  of  it,  but  they  all  failed. 
We  had  our  first  ride  in  the  sailboat  going  the  eleven  miles 
across,  and  can  see  one  island  from  another. 

Not  seasick  at  all;  no  one  was.  Praise  God!  the  trip 
was  much  better  than  we  expected.  They  tell  us  it  was  a 
good  sea  and  wind,  and  we  went  over  in  one  hour  and  a  half. 

210 


Sister  King,  Will  Beirnfes  and  wife,  and  others  were  at  the 
landing  to  meet  us,  and  we  are  soon  at  the  Mission  Home,  a 
large,  substantial  stone  building.  Sister  Blyden  received  a 
hearty  welcome  home. 

As  we  walked  through  the  streets,  all  the  stores  were 
closed  and  we  asked  why.  They  close  at  4  P.  M.  every  day, 
which  is  the  custom  here.  Last  night  was  the  regular  prayer^ 
meeting  and  we  all  attended.  The  hall  was  nicely  filled, 
and  they  heartily  welcomed  us  all.  Brother  Finch  talked  from 
"All  things  work  together  for  good,"  and  we  also  spoke  a 
few  words.  We  almost  have  to  pinch  ourself  to  believe  we 
are  really  at  Nevis.  After  years  of  correspondence,  and  love 
and  interest  in  the  place  and  people,  we  are  at  last  privileged 
to  be  here.  Irene  has  been  their  pastor  for  eight  years,  and 
a  wonderful  work  has  been  accomplished.  They  have  about 
one  hundred  members  here  in  Charleston,  the  main  church. 
One  of  the  interesting  characters  is  a  young  man  called  "Sam- 
my." One  of  the  workers  of  St.  Croix  told  me  what  Irene 
had  to  take  to  wake  him  up.  He  was  full  of  mischief.  One 
night  while  sitting  in  the  back  of  the  hall,  he  was  worse  than 
usual.  The  song  service  was  progressing  and  she  tried  to  get 
his  eye,  but  failed,  so  she  walked  deliberately  down  the  aisle, 
took  a  switch,  and  gave  him  such  a  whipping  that  he  was 
jDerfectly  quiet,  and  some  time  later  he  was  blessedly  con- 
verted and  sanctified,  and  is  now  a  helper  on  the  mission  place. 
The  people  consider  it  her  privilege  to  rebuke,  exhort  and 
punish,  if  necessary,  as  well  as  preach  and  lead  them  to  Jesus. 
We  are  told  that  mothers  with  naughty  children  will  bring 
them  to  her  to  be  corrected  or  punished.  She  is  greatly  loved 
here,  and  respected  by  everyone,  both  white  and  black. 

We  have  one  of  the  best  locations  and  buildings  in  the 
West  Indies.  It  is  90  feet  long,  20  feet  wide,  and  two  stories 
high,  with  a  three-foot  stone  wall  and  a  hurricane  roof.     The 

213 


roof  alone  would  cost  today  what  we  gave  for  the  whole 
property.  It  was  built  by  slave  labor  over  a  hundred  years 
ago.  We  have  been  told  that  it  would  cost  $  1 0,000  to 
build  it  today,  and  we  paid  only  $456.  As  soon  as  it  was 
purchased.  Brothers  Finch  and  Coone  began  at  once  to  con- 
vert it  into  a  Church  and  Mission  Home.  The  front  end  of 
the  building  was  made  into  the  church  building,  well  lighted 
and  ventilated,  accommodating  two  hundred  and  fifty  people, 
while  the  rest  of  the  building  was  made  into  a  comfortable 
Mission  Home,  consisting  of  four  bedrooms,  dining  and  sitting 
room,  storeroom  and  kitchen.  Besides  this  we  have  a  nice, 
large  garden  and  immense  cistern. 

We  want  to  tell  you  of  the  glad  preparations  for  the  party 
of  missionaries  when  they  thought  we  were  coming  on  the 
Parima  in  January.  The  Mission  House  was  cleaned  and  an 
extra  house  with  cots  and  beds  arranged.  Beautiful  bouquets 
were  placed  in  every  room.  Mission  Hall,  etc.  One  of  the 
young  men  made  the  word  "Welcome,"  and  placed  it  at  the 
entrance,  decorating  it  with  flowers.  Everything  was  thrown 
wide  open,  a  supper  was  prepared,  and  all  was  in  perfect 
readiness.  A  crowd  of  our  people  gathered  at  the  dock  wait- 
ing to  receive  us,  Irene  had  gone  to  St.  Kitts  for  us,  and  on 
her  return  they  saw  the  empty  boat,  and  begged  for  an  ex- 
planation. She  did  not  know  why  we  were  not  on  the  Parima, 
and  walked  through  the  crowd  as  disappointed  as  they  were. 
Preparations  were  made  all  along  the  line.  We  thought  you 
would  enjoy  this  glimpse  of  the  love  of  the  people. 

Thursday,  April  11 

Last  evening  we  attended  service  at  Brown's  Hill,  the  near- 
est country  appointment,  two  and  one-half  miles  out.  •  Sister 
King  drives  the  little  pony  with  a  two-seated  buggy  and  the 
rest  walk.     The  ride  is  beautiful  in  the  cool  of  the  evening, 

214 


Nevis 


with  the  mountain  in  full  view.  Here  we  find  a  neat  little 
chapel  with  a  seating  capacity  of  150,  and  a  Sunday-school 
of  ninety,  in  a  flourishing  condition.  This  is  the  result  of 
having  a  church  building,  with  sanctified  workers.  This  build- 
ing is  the  gift  of  the  Union  Gospel  Church,  at  Wilkinsburg, 
Pa.  Oh,  that  God  may  stir  up  other  churches  to  follow  their 
example!  We  have  a  native  pastor  here  who,  with  his  own 
hands,  helped  to  put  up  the  building,  and  now  has  planted  a 
vegetable  garden  of  cassava  for  flour,  yams,  eddoes  and  sweet 
potatoes. 

We  have  had  such  an  eventful  day  that  we  wonder  if  we 
can  portray  it  to  you  as  it  all  happened.  We  have  come  to 
the  ocean  before  sunrise  to  be  perfeptly  alone,  leaving  the 
sleeping  household,  and  the  scene  before  us  is  so  beautiful  it 
is  hard  to  write  at  all.  As  far  as  the  eye  can  see,  there  is 
one  vast  expanse  of  water,  the  sea  perfectly  tranquil,  the 
waves  quietly  lapping  the  rocks  at  our  feet  Across  the  horizon 
are  numerous  fishing  boats,  two  just  passing — a  large  sailing 
boat  and  a  smaller  one.  To  the  right,  under  a  row  of  palm 
trees,  are  two  fishermen  getting  their  nets  and  boats  ready. 
To  the  left  is  the  pier  with  other  boats  leaving.  A  lone 
woman  is  walking  the  beach.  In  the  distance  we  can  see 
the  island  of  St.  Kitts,  with  its  green,  fertile  hills.  The  sea 
gulls  are  flying  before  us,  just  tipping  their  wings  in  the  blue 
sea,  one  taking  a  plunge.  Two  horses  have  been  led  out  for 
their  morning  bath.  A  shower  has  cooled  the  atmosphere,  and 
across  the  waters  we  see  a  rainbow  in  the  sky.  The  clouds 
are  tinted  with  touches  of  the  sunrise,  and  altogether  it  is  a 
most  perfect  morning. 

About  1 0  o'clock  yesterday  we  started  out  in  an  auto  for 
a  ride  around  the  island,  twenty  miles,  to  see  all  our  country 
appointments  (only  five  machines  on  the  island).  Our  party 
consisted   of    Brother   Finch,   Sisters    Blyden,    King   and   the 

217 


writer.  The  population  of  the  island  is  1  3,000,  and  we  are 
told  that  there  are  only  fifteen  white  persons  on  it.  The  prin- 
cipal productions  are  sugarcane  and  cotton.  It  is  mountainous ; 
one  ridge  through  the  entire  island,  "Ben  Nevis"  towering 
above  all,  this  being  the  crater.  We  pass  by  the  cemetery 
and  see  "Blyden's  Gate."     Some  of  you  have  heard  of  this. 

Before  we  had  our  church  buildings,  as  we  have  explained 
in  a  former  "letter,"  our  people  had  no  burying  place,  but  as 
soon  as  we  got  the  building  and  were  recognized,  they  imme- 
diately granted  a  space  in  the  cemetery  with  a  separate  gate. 
Six  people  are  waiting  the  resurrection  in  this  spot. 

We  pass  through  this  country  for  two  and  one-half  miles, 
until  we  reach  Brown  HiH.  a  little  village  where  we  held  the 
meeting  last  night,  but  wanted  to  see  the  church  in  daylight, 
too.  Brother  Finch  is  delighted  with  it.  There  is  a  fine 
ceihent  wall  and  steps  leading  up  to  the  entrance,  and  a  stone 
walk  all  around  the  church,  with  a  small  space  neatly  laid 
out  for  plants  and  shrubbery  in  front  (this  being  a  volcanic 
island,  rocks  abound).  Sister  King  snaps  us  with  her  camera 
as  we  stand  on  the  steps.  Many  of  these  brethren  are  fisher^ 
men,  and  they  brought  the  Mission  Home  a  bountiful  supply 
of  fish  for  our  supper  last  night.  We  secured  two  sugarcar.6 
and  were  refreshed  the  rest  of  the  ride.  If  you  have  not 
tasted  sugarcane  you  have  missed  something.  It  is  harvest  time 
here  and  we  see  the  men  and  women  with  oxen  all  busy  gath- 
ering it. 

Our  next  stop  is  "Gingerland,"  a  larger  town  than  Charles- 
ton. Here  is  such  a  tiny  building,  well  seated  and  lighted, 
but  too  small  for  the  crowds.  Sister  King  snaps  us  with  this 
building  and  some  of  the  children  who  have  gathered  around. 
Brother  Finch  sent  $450  for  the  Gingerland  Church,  given 
by  the  saints  in  America.  If  Brother  Coone  had  lived,  this 
church  would  have  been  up  by  this  time.     However,  at  present 

218 


Brown's  Hill 


prices,  this  amount  will  not  build  it.  One  good  sister  hands 
Sister  Blyden  some  ripe  tomatoes.  Everywhere  we  go  "Miss 
Blyden"  (as  they  respectfully  call  her),  is  recognized,  and 
greeted  with  smiles  of  welcome.  It  is  very  evident  that  she 
is  a  much-beloved  friend  and  teacher.  This  is  her  stamping 
ground,  and  no  itinerant  preacher  has  done  more.  In  her  early 
days  when  she  was  strong,  she  would  take  a  band  of  her  con- 
verts, tramp  two,  four,  six  and  eight  miles  a  day  to  these 
country  villages  and  hold  a  rousing  street  meeting.  She  kept 
this  up  for  years  until  the  Lord,  through  some  of  His  willing 
servants,  supplied  her  with  a  horse  and  carriage.  This  stren- 
uous work  has  told  on  her  and  her  health  is  not  robust  now. 
Pray  that  this  remarkable  handmaiden  may  be  kept  for  the 
work  of  this  needy  island. 

On  we  go  to  our  next  stop.  We  have  two  or  three  ex- 
citing encounters  that  liven  up  the  trip.  Turning  a  sharp 
corner  at  the  brow  of  a  hill,  we  come  suddenly  upon  a  boy 
on  a  horse.  The  toot  of  the  auto  frightens  both,  the  boy 
drops  off,  rolls  down  the  embankment,  while  the  horse  goes 
down  the  hill  with  head  up,  tail  flying,  while  half  a  dozen 
women  in  the  field  near  by  nearly  double  themselves  with 
laughter.  The  horse  is  ahead  of  us  for  a  half  mile,  then 
suddenly  turns  into  a  yard,  its  home.  We  haven't  time  to  see 
if  the  boy  follows.  A  little  dog  narrowly  escapes  being  run 
over.  Just  a  mile  or  so  farther  on,  a  lad  is  only  a  moment 
late,  to  escape  almost  instant  death,  as  he  came  racing  out 
of  a  yard  next  to  a  high  embankment  hiding  us  from  his  view, 
and  the  auto  was  going  at  too  high  speed  to  stop  suddenly. 
How  thankful  we  are  to  God  that  his  life  was  spared!  We 
speed  on.  It  is  like  a  hot  July  day  at  home,  but  there  is 
a  delightful  sea  breeze,  the  deep  blue  sea  is  never  out  of  sight. 
How  we  wish  the  children  could  have  seen  the  baby  donkey 
by  the  roadside  with  its,  fluffy,  plump  body,  long  ears  and  meek 

221 


face;  and  two  tiny  kids  with  their  goat  mother!  It  was 
enough  to  make  a  child  eager  with  delight.  This  is  a  rocky 
island,  and  there  are  plenty  of  neat  stone  fences  enclos.ng 
the  fields.  We  pass  by  Pond  Hill,  Morning  Star,  and  Brick 
Hill,  all  villages  needing  the  Gospel. 

Our  next  stop  is  "Castles,"  where  there  is  another  small 
building  wholly  inadequate  to  the  needs.  It  is  enough  to 
make  you  want  to  put  one  up  at  once.  Who  will  respond? 
We  have  the  only  salvation  work  on  this  island.  It  is  a 
great  field  and  with  Sister  Blyden  to  take  care  of  it,  it  is  a 
safe  investment.  "Grandma  Woodley,"  one  of  the  oldest 
followers  here,  comes  along,  and  we  take  her  on  the  steps 
and  she  appears  in  the  picture.  How  grateful  these  dear 
people  are  for  a  visit  from  the  missionaries.  We  hurry  on  as 
it  is  long  past  noon.  Give  us  the  little  Ford  any  time  for 
speed,  but  this  time  we  have  had  three  blowouts — poor  tires. 
Once  we  stopped  right  at  the  church  where  Lord  Nelson  was 
married.  This  fact,  and  that  Alexander  Hamilton,  one  of 
our  own  statesmen,  was  born  here,  is  proudly  told  by  the  inhab- 
itants. At  another  place,  a  crowd  of  children,  more  than 
two  dozen,  came  running  down  the  hill  from  the  schoolhouse. 
They  all  stop  to  see  the  tire  mended  and  pumped.  The  twenty- 
four  little  black  faces  are  an  interesting  sight.  They  kindly 
sing  for  us  their  national  anthem: 

God  save  our  gracious  king, 
Long  live   our  noble  king, 

God  save  our  king! 
Send   him  victorious, 
Happy  and  glorious, 
Long   to   reign    over   us, 

God   save   the   king. 

This  has  the  same  tune  as  our  "America,"  which  we  sang  to 
them.  Every  little  boy  gave  a  most  graceful  courtesy,  as  he 
came,   touching   his   forehead   and   cap.      The   whole   crowd 

222 


GlNGERLAND,   NeVIS 


waved  a  pretty  goodby.  We  passed  cotton  fields  in  bloom, 
and  the  flowers  looked  like  beautiful  yellow  roses.  They  are 
going  to  get  us  samples  of  it  in  all  its  stages  of  growth.  Right 
by  one  of  these  fields  we  suddenly  came  upon  a  woman  leading 
a  cow.  The  unexpected  appearance  of  ein  auto  frightened  the 
cow  and  she  leaped  up  into  the  field,  and  the  horror  on  the 
face  of  the  poor  woman  was  a  picture.  It  really  seemed  we 
frightened  everything;  for  we  recall  animals  leaping  across 
ditches,  people  hugging  the  wall  or  fence  corner,  children 
scurrying  up  the  hill,  peeping  out  with  scared  looks,  etc.  To 
cap  the  climax  we  saw  three  monkeys,  one  leisurely  crossing 
the  road  ahead  of  us  and  two  others  in  the  bushes.  They  live 
in  the  mountains  and  had  come  down  to  steal  yams  and  sweet 
potatoes  from  the  garden.  We  assure  you  there  was  some 
excitement  then.  The  auto  stopped  and  we  all  had  a  good 
look  at  them.  They  were  as  large  as  a  child  three  years 
old.  They  went  scampering  up  the  mountain.  They  come  in 
companies  to  steal;  there  is  usually  one  as  a  lookout  to  warn 
the  others  of  danger.  Sometimes  he  plays  a  trick  and  lets  them 
get  caught,  or  in  trouble.  Sister  Blyden  had  never  seen  one, 
so  she  felt  this  was  a  special. 

Our  last  interesting  experience  on  the  ride  was  to  see 
women  doing  their  washing  in  a  mountain  stream,  standing  in 
the  water.  In  a  clump  of  bushes  a  donkey  was  tied,  while 
to  the  right  was  a  stone  bridge.  We  have  wanted  to  see  this 
ever  since  we  came  down  he^e,  and  to  give  our  sisters  a  de- 
scription of  the  way  the  washing  is  done.  The  clothes  are 
well  soaped  first,  and  washed  on  large  stones,  by  rubbing 
them  back  and  forth  as  on  a  washboard.  Sometimes  a  small 
stone  or  cob  is  used  to  rub  them  with,  too,  and  they  often 
beat  them  on  the  stones.  After  the  garments  are  washed, 
they  lay  them  on  the  rocks  and  bushes  to  bleach.  The  next 
day  they  rinse  and  d'-y  them.     The  following  day  they  starch 

225 


them,  then  on  Thursday  and  Friday  they  iron  and  deliver  them. 
We  were  told  before  coming  we  must  allow  one  week  for  our 
washing.  They  never  use  hot  or  even  warm  water,  for  either 
clothes  or  dishes,  for  fear  of  taking  cold.  There  are  no  tubs; 
it  is  all  done  in  the  stream.  We  asked  how  the  dirty,  greasy 
clothes  became  clean  without  hot  water.  They  depend  on  the 
soap,  sun  and  bleaching.  We  wonder  what  our  mothers  and 
grandmothers  would  think  of  this  mode  of  washing.  However, 
the  clothes  are  beautifully  white  and  clean,  so  we  have  no 
word  of  complaint.  On  the  ironing  days  the  women  seldom 
go  out  to  meeting  for  fear  of  taking  cold,  especially  if  it  rains. 

We  reached  home,  had  dinner  at  2  o'clock,  resting  two 
hours,  and  then  we  all  went  to  the  ocean  for  a  bath  and 
plunge.  We  were  taught  to  float.  Think  of  the  luxury  of 
lying  on  your  back  in  the  water  with  arms  under  your  head, 
with  the  relaxation  and  ease  of  lying  on  your  bed.  It  is 
delightful ! 

After  a  good  service  in  the  Hall,  we  all  met  in  the  sitting 
room  at  9:30  for  Sister  Blyden's  Christmas.  What,  Christ- 
mas in  April!  Yes,  that  is  just  what  we  mean.  Different 
friends  from  the  States  had  given  us  gifts  for  her,  and  this 
seemed  the  first  fitting  opportunity  to  present  them.  We 
vTaooed  each  one  un  and  marked  on-  it  the  name  of  the  giver, 
filled  her  long  stocking,  tied  it  to  the  center  table,  and  placed 
^he  rest  under  it.  We  hardly  know  how  to  describe  the  scene 
that  followed,  but  wished  with  all  our  hearts  that  those  who 
had  given  could  have  been  there  and  they  would  have  been 
amply  repaid.  Dear  Irene  sat  right  down  on  the  floor,  untied 
the  stocking,  acting  for  all  the  world  like  a  little  child  filled 
with  hilarious  joy.  She  put  the  stocking  around  her  neck 
and  danced  with  glee,  then  as  she  took  out  the  box  of  candy, 
a  box  of  hickory  nuts,  two  oranges  and  a  five  dollar  bill 
wrapped  in  several  pieces  and  pressed  clear  down  in  the  toe, 

226 


a, 
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Q 
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< 

z. 

Q 
CQ 

ui 
H 
c« 

CO 

I 

o 
z 


o 


> 

z 


there  was  another  dance.  Her  joy  knew  no  bounds,  and  the 
rest  of  us  laughed  until  the  tears  came,  sharing  her  joy.  The 
Word  says,  "Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,"  and  this 
was  one  of  those  times.  The  five  dollars  was  given  by  a 
Methodist  minister  and  his  wife  in  Ohio.  There  was  a  beauti- 
ful dress  pattern,  a  box  of  Christmas  cookies,  one  of  nuts 
from  Florida,  a  fruit  dish,  two  pounds  of  tea  and  six  silver 
knives  and  forks  from  a  student  from  Minnesota.  Our  only 
regret  was  there  wasn't  a  dozen  more  gifts.  It  was  one  of 
those  rare  and  happy  times.  Those  who  gave  will  read 
these  lines,  but  can  never  know  how  they  blessed  His  dear 
child. 

Seven  P.  M.  We  have  been  wonderfully  blessed  all  day. 
Our  burden  for  finances  left  us  like  mist  before  the  rising  sun, 
and  we  had  felt  as  though  we  were  sailing  in  mid-air,  so  free 
has  been  our  spirit.  Something  has  happened  today.  God 
has  touched  someone  and  the  money  is  coming.  We  cannot 
pray  any  more  for  it.  Hallelujah!  In  conversation  with 
Brother  Finch  we  find  he  received  the  same  uplift  and  exa^ctly 
at  the  same  moment.  What  a  refreshing  it  has  been !  We 
leave  for  Saba  tomorrow. 


229 


CHAPTER    XIV 

COCOANUTS 

Of  all  the  products  we  became  acquainted  with,  none  inter- 
ested us  more  than  the  cocoanut.  Just  to  pick  one  up  casually 
as  we  do  at  home,  one  can  hardly  realize  its  real  worth  or 
the  uses  that  are  made  of  it.  Making  a  careful  study  and 
much  inquiry,  we  want  to  share  it  with  you. 

We  were  in  several  estates  of  hundreds  of  acres.  The 
trees  are  set  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  apart,  and  from  one  to 
four  miles  back  from  the  coast,  as  they  depend  on  the  salt 
water.  They  grow  from  a  small  tree  of  three  feet  to  those 
one  hundred  feet  high.  Think  of  a  grove  of  1,447  acres! 
We  talked  with  a  planter  who  was  manager  of  this  estate: 
and  who  kindly  gave  us  many  of  the  facts  collected 

The  trees  may  blossom  at  three  and  five  years,  and  may 
yield  a  bunch  of  nuts  at  seven  years,  and  continue  to  yielil 
as.  its  age  increases  until  it  reaches  its  full  maturity,  eighteen 
to  twenty  years,  when  its  yield  is  twelve  bunches,  or  one 
bunch  for  every  month.  The  tree  may  be  in  blossom  and  at 
the  same  time,  have  one  bunch  of  nuts  ripa  and  reidy  to  be 
gathered,  and  others  developing,  as  each  month's  growth  is 
seen.  It  is  a  pretty  sight  to  see  the  fruit,  twelve  bunches  on 
one  tree,  beginning  with  a  bunch  of  tiny  nuts,  each  month's 
bunch  a  little  larger,  with  the  beautiful  yellow  blossoms  at  the 
lop,  and  the  great  palm  leaves  falling  gracefully  to  the  ground. 
They  are  supposed  to  yield  on  an  average  of  one  nut  a  day. 

230 


> 


H 


Only  a  few  years  ago  the  export  from  one  is' and  alone  was 
5  little  less  than  one  million. 

Our  idea  of  the  use  of  the  nut  is  largely  for  cakes,  pies, 
pudding  and  candies,  but  it  is  surprising  to  know  of  all  its 
uses.  Since  the  United  States  has  failed  to  export  enough 
butter  and  lard  to  the  Islands,  they  have  had  to  fall  back 
on  their  own  resources.  Since  the  War  the  nuts  have  been 
much  more  appreciated  locally.  Cocoanut  butter,  which  has 
been  a  chemical  curiosity  for  sometime,  has  now  become  an 
article  of  commerce.  Many  families  are  makng  their  own 
cooking  and  table  oil  and  cooking  and  table  butter.  Some 
make  it  at  the  table  every  day.  The  following  are  some  of 
its  special  uses:  brushes,  fiber  for  mattresses,  ropes,  mats, 
cocoa  matting,  upholstering,  strong  bags,  oil  for  cooking,  hair 
dressing,  cooking  butter,  table  butter,  table  oil,  jelly,  Ccuidy, 
pies,  cakes,  pudding  and  cocoanut  milk.  A  cream  made  from 
the  fresh  cocoanut  is  a  delicacy  when  used  with  jams  and 
jellies.  Tallow  soaps  are  made  from  the  refuse.  After 
extracting  the  cream,  the  refuse  is  used  in  making  splendid 
feed  for  poultry,  while  that  from  the  oil,  made  for  commercial 
purposes,  is  known  as  cocoanut  meal,  and  is  used  for  making 
mashes  for  horses  and  cattle.  The  water  from  a  nut  four 
to  nine  months,  makes  a  most  delicious  drink,  and  we  are 
told  that  some^  kind  of  a  beverage  is  made  from  the  young 
blossoms.  The  shell,  together  with  the  husk,  is  used  for  fuel 
purposes,  and  when  lit  it  flames  and  burns  like  crude  oil.  The 
branches,  when  dropped,  are  used  by  the  peasants  for  roofing 
their  huts,  while  the  trunks  from  a  dead  palm  is  used  for 
posts  or  barbications.  At  certain  seasons  the  United  States 
calls  for  "copra."  This  is  the  kernel  of  the  nut  extracted 
from  the  shell,  and  is  either  sun-stsam  or  hot-air  dried  and 
exported. 

233 


At  present  the  Islands  are  shipping  all  the  shells  they  can 
handle  to  the  United  States  War  Department.  The  extract 
from  them  is  used  to  counteract  the  gas  used  in  the  war, 
and  it  is  estimated  that  one  ton  of  shells  saves  the  lives  of  ten 
men. 

The  missionaries  at  Nevis  were  churning  their  own  butter, 
ten  small  cocoanuts  making  two  pounds.  The  nut  is  grated, 
and  the  milk  squeezed  through  a  cloth  (they  were  expecting 
a  machine  to  do  this)  and  allowed  to  rise,  as  other  milk. 
The  cream  stood  from  Saturday  to  Monday,  and  then  was 
churned  as  ordinary  butter.  (With  the  buttermilk  corn 
bread  was  made.)  The  imported  butter  is  beyond  the  reach 
of  so  many,  and  this  is  a  good  substitute. 

While  there  we  visited  a  large  cocoanut  estate,  and  had 
the  above  picture  taken  under  one  tree,  with  Brother  Finch, 
the  keeper,  and  a  little  boy.  The  lad  climbed  one  of  the 
tallest,  cutting  dovm  seven  or  eight  nuts,  giving  all  a  delicious 
drink.  These  are  only  nine  months  old,  and  at  that  stage  the 
nut  is  soft,  containing  more  water,  smd  is  called  "water  co- 
coanut. 

We  had  thought  of  bringing  out  some  of  the  strong,  beauti- 
ful points  of  likeness  between  the  great  palm  trees  and  a  real 
saint  of  God,  but  after  reading  Doctor  Watson  on  "Palm 
Tree  Saints,"  we  decided  to  use  it,  as  it  is  so  rich,  and  fits 
the  subject  precisely.  Reader,  let  Him  make  you  a  palm 
tree  saint. 

Palm  Tree  Saints 

It  is  evident  from  Scripture  that  all  the  different  animals 
are  types  of  diversified  human  characters,  and  that  also  the 
various  trees,  bushes  and  shrubs  are  symbols  of  dicerent  sorts 
of  people,  and  their  various  stages  of  character.  In  the  Bible, 
there  are  frequent  allusions  to  strong  oaks,  olive  trees,  palm 

234 


'JV^^ 


'  .    t% 


sMc'-^ 


v^^ 


Under  the  Cocoanut 


trees  and  other  species  of  trees,  as  types"  not  only  of  Christ, 
but  of  His  people.  And  it  is  evident  there  is  a  close  analogy 
between  the  different  qualities  of  these  trees  and  the  various 
virtues  and  graces  of  God's  servants. 

We  read  in  the  Psalms  that  the  "righteous  shall  flourish  like 
the  palm  tree,"  and  again  that  the  "Blessed  man  is  like  a 
tree  (and  evidently  it  means  a  palm  tree)  planted  by  the 
rivers  of  water,"  When  I  was  traveling  in  Jamaica,  where 
I  saw  hundreds  and  thousand  of  cocoanut  palm  trees,  and  one 
never  tires  of  seeing  them,  I  was  forcibly  reminded  of  the 
imagery  set  forth  in  Scripture  between  the  cocoanut  palm  and 
the  devout  child  of  God.     Let  us  notice  some  points  of  likeness. 

1 .  The  palm  tree  succeeds  best  along  the  seacoasts,  and 
the  margins  of  rivers,  where  it  can  get  an  abundance  of  water. 
This  is  a  true  picture  of  a  saint  planted  in  the  love  of  God, 
and  in  constant  touch  with  the  abiding  Comforter,  for  the 
Holy  Spirit,  in  His  constant  flow  through  the  humble  soul, 
acts  upon  the  faculties  of  the  mind  and  the  attributes  of  the 
heart  and  will,  just  as  a  flowing  river  operates  on  the  roots 
of  a  palm  tree.  There  are  chemical  properties  in  the  air  and 
in  the  earth  which  are  essential  to  the  growth  of  the  trees 
and  their  fruit  fulness,  but  it  is  especially  the  action  of  Water 
that  gathers  up  these  chemical  properties  and  imparts  them  to 
Spirit,  when  He  has  perfect  access  to  the  hidden  roots  of  the 
soul,  imparts  all  the  virtues  of  Jesus  and  the  love  of  the  Father 
and  the  vital  forces  of  Scriptures  producing  there,  by  the 
highest  and  strongest  form  of  holy  charatcer  to  God's  people. 
Sometimes  the  palm  tree  is  found  growing  in  deserts,  but 
always  where  subterranean  springs  are  running  near  the  sur- 
face, and  in  these  instances,  such  clusters  of  palms  form  those 
refreshing  oases,  which  are  so  acceptable  to  the  traveler.  In 
like  manner  there  are  great  deserts  in  the  moral  and  spiritual 
conditions  of  mankind,  and  amid  these  dreary  wastes,  where 

237 


the  people  forget  God,  the  true  saint  sends  the  roots  of  his 
prayers  down  into  the  hidden  fountains  of  God,  and  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  draws  up  constant  verdure  and  fruitfulness  for 
thirsty  and  perishing  souls. 

2.  The  palm  tree  is  an  evergreen,  which  typifies  the  constant 
freshness  of  a  true  spiritual  life.  There  are  many  varieties 
of  trees  such  as  apple,  peach  and  pear,  which  are  deciduous, 
and  shed  their  foliage  at  the  approach  of  winter.  All  of  these 
set  forth  a  certain  degree  of  Christianity,  but  the  highest 
types  of  spirituality  selected  from  Scripture  are  set  forth  by 
those  evergreen  trees,  such  as  the  orange,  olive,  cocoanut  and 
date  palm.  David  expressly  mentions  this  quality  of  unfading 
green  as  belonging  to  the  saint  by  saying  not  only  that  he  is 
like  a  tree  planted  by  rivers  of  water,  but  that  "his  leaf  also 
shall  not  wither,"  or  as  the  margin  reads,  shall  not  fade. 

There  are  deciduous  Christians,  and  in  fact  a  large  majority 
of  Christians  live  a  deciduous  life,  in  which  the  sweet,  fresh 
verdue  of  grace  comes  and  goes  with  various  seasons  of  their 
lives,  and  only  a  few  of  God's  creatures  are  so  thoroughly 
rooted  by  the  river  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  to  have  an  ever- 
green life,  and  manifest  that  sweet,  gentle,  cheerful  child-like 
freshness  and  verdure  of  soul,  which  makes  presence  like  a 
refreshing  shade  on  a  hot  day.  It  requires  a  supernatural 
stream  running  constantly  down  from  the  eternal  freshness  of 
God  through  the  human  heart  to  keep  all  the  affections  and 
thoughts  verdant  and  fragrant.  Every  thing  human  will  fade. 
All  flesh-born  love,  human  youth,  school-boy  sprightliness, 
mental  science,  theological  zeal,  pulpit  eloquence,  artistic  sing- 
ing and  everything  that  does  not  flow  out  from  the  Holy 
Spirit  will  wither,  but  a  soul  that  is  established  in  constant 
prayer  and  fellowship  with  God  is  perennial. 

3.  The  palm  tree  has  its  life  hidden  in  the  center  and  not 
on  the  surface,  as  other  trees.     The  palm  has  no  bark,  and 

238 


so  it  can  never  be  killed  by  girdling  it.  Most  trees  have  a 
bark,  under  which  the  sap  flows,  and  they  grow  by  an  increase 
of  the  layers  of  wood  put  on  every  year  just  und*  the  bark, 
and  hence,  if  the  bark  is  pulled  off  the  tree  dies.  This 
girdling  represents  the  life  which  is  yet  natural,  which  can  be 
seriously  damaged  by  outward  circumstance,  or  persecutions, 
disaster,  neglect  or  ill  usage. 

We  constantly  meet  people  who  live  on  the  surface,  and 
know  hardly  anything  of  being  hidden  in  a  supernatural  way 
with  Christ,  but  all  their  religious  experieces  are  easily  affected 
by  outward  circumstances,  such  as  large  or  small  congregations, 
an  eloquent  or  simple  preacher,  a  live  or  dull  prayer-meeting, 
good  or  bad  treatment,  or  a  little  piece  of  persecution,  and 
such  things  that  belong  to  the  outward  from  of  life.  The 
palm  tree,  drawing  its  life  up  through  the  center,  especially 
represents  the  soul  whose  life  is  not  dependent  upon  outward 
circumstances,  but  is  thoroughly  supernaturalized  and  hid  in 
God.  Just  as  long  as  a  palm  tree  has  enough  of  its  heart  left 
to  convey  water  from  its  roots  to  its  boughs  it  will  live,  though 
it  be  cut  all  around  and  terribly  mangled  by  the  ax.  And 
to  a  soul  that  is  thoroughly  purified  and  in  constant  fellowship 
with  the  Holy  Spirit  can  endure  trials,  bad  treatment,  neglect, 
persecutions,  ostracism  and  every  sort  of  calamities  in  this 
world,  just  as  long  as  its  inner  heart  is  in  ubroken  fellowship 
with  the  Triune  God.  This  explains  why  it  is  that  the  palm 
tree  never  grows  in  size  like  other  trees,  by  making  addition 
to  the  outside  of  its  diameter,  but  it  only  grows  upward  by 
adding  year  by  year  fresh  joints  on  top.  Hence  the  palm 
tree  ten  years  old  will  have  as  much  thickness  in  its  trunk  as 
a  tree  a  hundred  years  old,  which  beautifully  illustrates  that 
the  true  saint  does  not  grow  by  spreading  himself  outward  in 
the  world,  but  upward  toward  Heaven,  and  making  constant 
additions  to  his  spiritual  attitude. 

239 


4.  The  palm  tree,  and  more  especially  the  cocoanut  palm, 
is  a  constant  fruit  bearer,  blooming  every  month  and  always 
having  a  cluster  of  fruit  at  the  top  from  one  year  old  in  age 
down  to  the  fresh  blossom.  This  corresponds  with  the  Bible 
statement  that  the  Tree  of  Life  yields  her  fruit  every  month. 
Every  Bible  reader  must  have  been  struck  with  the  way  the 
number  twelve  is  used,  such  as  the  twelve  manner  of  fruit, 
and  the  fruit,  ripening  every  month  in  the  twelve  months  of 
the  year,  and  then  the  number  twelve  being  multiplied  by  itself 
making  one  hundred  and  forty-four.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that 
the  cocoanut  palm  will  average  twelve  units  every  time  it 
blooms,  that  come  to  maturity  so  that  it  yields  twelve  units 
for  each  month,  or  one  hundred  and  forty- four  for  the  year, 
which  makes  it  harmonize  precisely  with  the  Scriptural  numbers 
in  many  places.  It  is  supposed  by  many  that  the  number 
one  hundred  and  forty- four  sets  forth  a  special  company  of 
saints,  who  will  compose  the  Bride  of  Christ,  and  it  would 
seem  that  those  servants  which  make  up  that  chosen  company 
are  all  of  them,  palm-tree  saints,  having  all  the  foregoing 
qualities  of  the  palm  tree. 

There  is  no  tree  on  earth  of  such  constamt  fruit  fulness  as 
the  cocoanut  palm,  and  hence  it  pre-eminently  typifies  the  most 
fruitful  believers,  who  are  not  only  saved  and  purged  from 
inward  sin,  but  so  filled  with  the  life  of  God  as  to  have  the 
fecundity  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

5.  The  attractive  beauty  of  the  palm  tree  is  another  dis- 
tiguishing  quality. 

It  has  no  limbs,  but  long,  graceful,  strong  leaves  that  stretch 
out  from  the  top,  with  a  beauty  and  grace  and  glistening  green, 
which  makes  it  an  object  of  beauty  and  majesty  unapproached 
by  any  other  tree.  In  this  respect  it  sets  forth  the  true  Heav- 
enly dignity,  loftiness,  gracefulness  and  perpetual  charm  of  a 
deeply   spiritual   life.      The   saints  who   get  a   vision   of   the 

240 


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z. 

a. 
a, 
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U 


eternal  beauty  of  God,  and  bathe  their  minds  constantly  in 
the  attractive  lifrht  of  the  Divine  perfections  of  Him,  are  those 
who  in  a  special  way  manifest  the  true  charm  of  a  holy  life. 

It  is  true  that  it  takes  the  spiritual  eye  to  see  the  real 
beauty  of  a  holy  life,  yet  even  the  dim  eyes  of  the  people  of 
the  world  can  detect  a  strange  loftiness  and  calmness  of  heav- 
enly independence  in  a  holy  life,  which  looks  to  them  some- 
what like  a  spiritual  palm  tree,  waving  its  lofty  foliage  in  the 
breeze,  and  presenting  a  picture  against  the  sunset  skies  never 
to  be  forgotten.  Added  to  all  these  qualities  the  palm  tree  is 
long  lived,  and  at  the  end  of  a  hundred  years  will  yield  as 
beautiful  foliage,  and  as  fine  fruit  as  in  its  younger  years, 
thus  confirming  the  Word  of  God,  that  the  palm-tree  saints 
will  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age. 


243 


CHAPTER   XV 
Saba — Antigua — Berbuda 

On  Board  the  Robert  C.  Harris,  Saturday,  April  1 3 

We  are  in  the  harbor  of  St.  Kitts,  on  board  a  two-masted 
schooner  bound  for  Saba.  The  Parima  is  here  on  its  way 
to  Barbados.  It  is  a  beautiful  evening,  and  we  are  to  ride 
all  night.  It  is  after  six.  We  left  Nevis  at  9  A.  M.  and  came 
over  in  a  small,  open  sailing  vessel,  and  the  weather  was  made 
more  pleasant  today  with  a  good  shower.  One  is  always 
supposed  to  be  armed  with  a  raincoat  and  umbrella;  so  we 
escaped  a  wetting.  When  the  cloud  rests  on  top  of  Ben 
Nevis  the  fishermen  say,  "Ben  has  his  cap  on,"  and  they  look 
for  a  good  wind.  When  the  cloud  lifts  they  say,  "Ben  has 
•  his  cap  off,"  and  there  is  a  calm,  and  when  this  is  the  case 
it  takes  six  or  seven  hours  to  go  ?.  distance  that  could  be  cov- 
ered in  two. 

Saturday  is  called  "Beggar  Day"  at  Nevis.  More  than 
twenty-five  were  at  the  Mission  early  this  A.  M.  These  are 
the  very  poor  who  are  unable  to  work,  and  go  from  place  to 
place;  the  blind,  the  halt,  the  maimed,  the  sick;  all  ages,  from 
little  children  to  real  old  men  and  women.  It  is  quite  & 
spectacle  to  see  them.  It  is  a  custom  here  to  feed  them, 
giving  a  penny,  bread,  or  food  of  some  kind.  One  day 
there  were  no  pennies,  so  they  baked  a  corn  cake  for  each. 
Sister  Blyden  used  to  bake  a  small  loaf  of  bread  every  Friday, 
but  does  not  do  so  as  much  as  formerly. 

244 


There  is  a  small  cabin  on  this  schooner  like  a  cubby  hole, 
with  two  bunks  in  it,  but  so  little  air  that  we  have  decided 
to  sleep  on  the  open  deck  in  steamer  chairs.  We  had  been 
told  so  much  about  the  trip  to  Saba  that  we  naturally  dreaded 
it  more  than  all  the  others.  There  is  usually  a  rough  sea 
and  no  one  escapes  seasickness,  we  were  told.  While  resting 
this  afternoon,  we  overheard  some  one  say,  "I'm  sorry  for 
Mrs.  Knapp."  An  unusually  heavy  sea  and  on  hearing  .so 
so  many  remarkes,  we  went  to  prayer,  telling  God  we 
placed  Him  beside  all  these  unfavorable  cinditions  and 
such  a  calm  came  over  us,  and  a  deep  assurance  took  pos- 
session th^t  we  felt  God  would  be  Master  on  board  and 
We  expected  to 'be  kept.  More  than  thirty  years  ago,  we  had 
one  ride  on  Lake  Michigan  in  a  sail  boat  that  so  filled  us 
with  horror  that  it  was  our  first  and  last;  but  now  we  are 
providentially  placed  where  we  must  go  or  not  see  the  work. 

Saba 

We  have  been  through  a  "brand-new"  experience,  but  do 
not  know  that  we  would  care  to  have  it  repeated.  Here  we 
are,  safe  and  sound,  and  have  much  to  praise  God  for. 
We  have  been  saying  everything  was  "Interesting,"  but  we 
could  add  quite  a  bit  more — it  was  "intensely  thrilling."  We 
saw  the  sun  set,  and  the  new  moon  rise  on  the  water,  brighten- 
ing the  long  night  a  few  hours,  and  disappear.  In  the  early 
morning  hours  the  Southern  Cross  was  to  be  seen,  while  the 
morning  star  shone  beautifully.  Its  beams  slanting  on  the 
water  were  like  the  moon.  We  have  never  slept  under  such 
beautiful,  starry  heavens.  We  enjoyed  repeating  the  19th 
Psalm:  "There  is  no  speech  nor  language  where  their  voice 
is  not  heard."  Chairs  were  placed  beside  the  rail  of  the 
vessel — there  was  no  room  otherwise.  By  mistake,  the  trunks 
containing  steamer  blankets  and  pillows  were  placed   in   the 

243 


small  hold  and  the  cargo  of  flour  on  top,  so  we  were  all 
without  sufficient  covering,  and  before  daylight  were  cold. 
Ben  Nevis  must  have  taken  off  his  cap  after  we  started,  for 
by  9:30  we  were  only  ten  miles  from  St.  Kitts,  but  a  heavy, 
rough  sea  soon  came  up,  and  the  rocking  was  equal  to  that 
of  any  steamer;  in  fact,  it  seemed  worse  as  we  were  so  close 
to  the  edge.  We  could  see  the  tossing  billows  all  the  time, 
and  while  we  slept  some,  it  seemed  we  had  one  eye  open 
watching  them.  Though  we  were  told  repeatedly  there  was 
no  danger,  sometimes  it  was  hard  to  believe  that  we  might 
not  slide  over.  Once  our  chair  gave  a  lurch  and  about  3 
A.  M.  the  big  sail  broke  loose,  beyond  the  control  of  the  sailors, 
and  caused  some  excitement.  We  were  tossed  to  and  fro, 
up  and  down  on  the  heavy  billows;  this  gave  us  a  nervous 
shock.  Both  Sister  Blyden  and  Brother  King  sprang  to  the 
rescue  and  helped  to  pull  it  in,  but  we  went  a  mile  or  more  out 
of  our  way  before  it  was  under  control.  Dear,  precious  Irene 
lay  beside  us  on  top  of  the  deck,  never  sleeping  all  night, 
keeping  faithful  watch.  We  never  made  a  move  but  her 
hand  was  outstretched  upon  our  chair  to  assure  us  all  was 
well.  How  like  a  mother  watching  her  child!  There  were 
about  twelve  people  accommodated  in  a  space  of  a  few  square 
yards.  It  was  a  vessel  of  small  tonnage  (30  tons).  About 
daylight  we  could  see  the  outline  of  the  Island  of  Saba, 
standing  out  distinct  and  alone.  How  welcome  the  sight  after 
our  long  night!  1,500  feet  high  we  could  see  St.  John,  the 
first  village.  At  one  time  there  was  a  harbor  village  where 
the  boats  landed,  but  a  great  landslide  of  rocks  and  lava 
completely  destroyed  it,  emd  there  is  nothing  there  but  a 
.wharfhouse.  While  4,000  people  live  on  this  island,  they 
are  up  hundreds  of  feet  from  sea  level.  The  water  is  so  deep 
our  vessel  does  not  even  .anchor,  so  when  the  little  boat  comes 
out  to  get  us,  both  are  tossing.     There  are  no  long  steps  to 

246 


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u 
o 
o 

> 


V- 


go  down  easily,  but  we  simply  drop  and  shiver.  We  see  a 
crowd  of  people  on  the  wharf  as  the  news  has  gone  up,  and 
they  are  coming  one  by  one,  running  down  the  mountain.  The 
waves  are  so  wild,  tide  coming  in,  too,  that  the  white  breakers 
are  dashing  over  the  rocks;  this  is  where  we  must  land.  We 
cover  our  face  and  hide  in  Sister  Blyden's  lap.  It  is  a  wild 
ride.  We  hear  the  men  shouting  as  we  go  over  one  wave 
after  another,  when  suddenly  the  boat  is  swept  on  to  bare 
ground  and  a  dozen  men  spring  and  pull  it  up  out  of  the 
angry  waters.  Sister  Blyden  keeps  reminding  us,  "This  is 
interesting,"  and  we  have  to  take  our  lesson.  "So  He  bring- 
eth  them  into  their  desired  haven."  Praise  the  Lord!  This 
is  such  a  rocky  beach  that  only  one  small  boat  can  go  and 
come  in  at  a  time.  We  sit  down  on  a  rock  and  watch  them 
bring  in  the  baggage.  We  were  blessedly  kept  from  sea- 
sickness. 

Brother  and  Sister  Will  Beirnes  and  family  have  come 
with  us  to  take  charge  of  \he  work.  Two  boats  are  busy 
taking  everything  in.  Sister  Blyden  superintends  the  carrying 
of  it  to  the  top.  We  see  a  woman  vvith  a  trunk  on  her  head 
going  up,  a  boy  with  three  steamer  chairs,  a  man  with  a 
trunk  and  suitcase,  another  with  a  mattress,  and  thus  it  is  all 
carried  to  our  destination.  The  mountains  are  so  close  to 
the  water's  edge,  one  has  to  go  up  to  see  the  road  to  the  top, 
rocky  steps,  curves  and  climbs.  How  did  we  ascend?  By 
the  only  "carriage"  Saba  affords,  no  vehicles  of  any  kind, 
not  even  a  wheelbarrow.  We  were  placed  in  a  chair  with 
one  pole  on  each  side,  and  two  men  carried  us  up,  while 
Brothers  Finch,  King  and  Sister  Blyden  walked,  bringing  up 
the  rear,  sometimes  helping.  They  puffed  and  perspired,  car- 
rying 1  75  pounds,  and  we  were  sorry  for  them.  They  stopped 
occasionally  to  rest.  Brother  Finch  told  us  before  leaving 
U.   S.   we  would   lose   twenty  pounds   at  least,   as  everyone 

249 


else  does,  and  we  looked  forward  to  that,  but  someone  must 
have  prayed  that  we  would  not  lose  our  appetite  in  this  new 
climate,  and  be  able  to  eat  the  food — their  prayers  are  an- 
swered— and  to  our  dismay,  we  have  to  watch  to  keep  from 
gaining.  The  men  carry  us  one  mile  eind  then  return  for 
Sister  Beirnes,  and  we  walk  another  half  mile  to  the  Mission 
Home.  The  mountains  are  covered  with  all  kinds  of  beautiful 
variety  of  cactus  and  stubby  green  trees.  We  feasted  on 
this  new  scenery;  every  turn  brought  new  beauties.  The  sun 
came  up  over  the  mountains  and  the  scene  was  glorious,  but 
what  shall  we  say  when  we  reach  the  top?  We  are  800 
feet  above  the  sea  level,  the  sea  in  the  distance.  The  Mission 
Home  is  beautifully  situated  and  one  can't  look  out  from  any 
direction  without  seeing  the  mountains  towering  above  one 
hundreds  of  feet.  The  sight  is  wonderful.  We  are  enthusi- 
astically carried  away  with  it.  We  can  imagine  we  are  in 
Switzerland;  it  is  most  picturesque.  The  houses,  here  and 
there  up  the  mountain  sides,  are  well  built,  painted  white,  with 
red  roofs,  and  look  like  pretty  summer  houses.  This  is  a 
Dutch  island  and  the  flag  of  Holland  waves  over  us.  We 
are  in  the  little  town  of  Levereock,  nestling  down  in  the  crater 
of  this  mountain.  This  is  surely  one  of  the  beauty  spots  of 
the  world.  It  is  semi-tropical,  but  has  had  frosts.  The  climate 
is  delightful.  This  is  Irene's  home  and  we  received  no  warmer 
welcome  anywhere  than  from  her  dear  old  mother.  Here 
is  where  she  was  converted  and  where  she  ran  up  and  down 
the  mountain-sides  first  telling  the  story  of  Jesus  "at  Jeru- 
salem." Here  is  where  Brother  Moulton  lived  two  years 
writing  his  book,  "Exploits  in  the  Tropics."  From  here  Irene 
came  to  God's  Bible  School,  and  you  know  the  rest.  There 
is  no  industry  here;  the  men  are  sailors  and  the  Sabans  are 
known  the  world  over  as  the  best;  those  who  are  left,  farm 
the  mountainsides  for  potatoes  and  onions  and  other  vegetables, 

250 


carry  the  freight,  as  lumber,  flour  and  sugar,  up  from  the 
wharf.  They  have  never  seen  a  plow  in  Saba.  Goats,  cows, 
and  some  sheep  graze  on  the  mountainsides  and  look  like 
specks.  They  kill  a  beef  once  a  week,  but  always  take  orders 
for  the  whole,  so  nothing  is  lost.  There  are  no  springs  or 
wells;  all  have  to  depend  on  cisterns  for  drinking  or  washing 
purposes.  The  island  is  only  three  miles  long  and  two  wide. 
It  is  also  so  rocky  that  cisterns  and.  walls  made  of  stone  abound 
and  make  a  neat  appearance.  The  women  try  to  earn  a 
living,  too,  by  making  and  selling  drawn-thread  work. 

There  is  hardly  a  family  here  but  has  a  son,  brother,  hus- 
band or  some  relative  in  the  war  zone.  On  our  arrival  the 
friends  had  a  nice  breakfast  of  eggs,  bread,  butter,  fruits  and 
cocoa  ready,  also  dinner  of  mountain  goat,  potatoes,  etc., 
and  are  bountifully  caring  for  us. 

Tuesday,  April  16 

This  is  a  Roman  Catholic  island  and  here,  as  on  Nevis, 
we  have  the  only  full-salvation  work.  ,We  have  had  no 
settled  worker  here  for  over  a  year  and  the  people  have 
begged  so  for  one  that  it  was  heavy  on  our  hearts,  and  it 
was  decided  to  send  Brother  Schoombie  here,  but  being  a 
British  subject,  they  would  not  grant  him  a  passport  for  this 
place.  The  Lord  laid  it  on  Brother  Will  Beirnes'  heart  to 
come  here,  and  we  are  all  so  satisfied  and  blessed  in  his  com- 
ing. He  has  visited  this  island  two  or  three  times;  won  his 
way  into  the  hearts  of  the  people,  and  they  gladly  welcome 
him  as  their  pastor.  It  is  hard  to  reach  Saba.  It  is  more 
isolated  and  has  been  sadly  neglected.  There  are  more  white 
people  on  this  island  than  on  any  other  in  the  West  Indies, 
and  it  seems  more  like  America.  We  only  remain  here  a  few 
days  and  are  holding  services  twice  a  day.  Brothers  Finch 
and  King  preaching  alternatelv.     The  hall  is  packed  nightly 

253 


and  crowds  are  on  the  outside.  The  Governor  attended  last 
night  and  reported  that  he  enjoyed  the  service;  also  two  of 
the  four  Dutch  soldiers  who  are  stationed  here.  Sister  Blyden 
presides  at  the  organ  and  helps  with  us  as  opportunity  offers. 
Brothers  Finch  and  Beirnes  went  to  the  town  of  Windward 
on  the  other  side  of  the  island  to  hold  a  service,  climbing  the 
mountain,  taking  turns  on  a  borrowed  pony.  Steps  have  been 
cut  out  of  the  rocks  and  the  ponies  go  up  and  down  as  easily 
as  a  person.  We  watched  them  from  the  Mission  Home, 
and  as  they  went  up — and  up — they  looked  like  specks,  but 
we  could  see  their  handkerchiefs  as  they  waved  them  back. 

Tuesday,  April  16;  p.  m. 

Today  we  had  one  of  the  trips  of  our  life,  going  over  the 
mountain  to  see  the  town  of  Windward,  four  miles  round 
trip.  Of  course  we  could  not  climb  the  mountain,  so  we  had 
to  go  'in  Saba's  "Carriage,"  with  Brothers  Finch,  King  and 
Sister  Blyden  accompanying  us.  We  reveled  in  the  wonder- 
ful scenery,  towering  mountains  with  the  clouds  on  top,  great 
rocks  and  boulders  overhanging  our  path,  the  steep  sides  cov- 
ered with  bare  stones,  others  with  shrubbery  and  trees,  dozens 
of  goats,  sheep  and  cattle  grazing,  and-  the  deep  blue  sea 
on  all  sides.  Wherever  there  were  places  to  be  tilled,  there 
were  gardens,  banana  groves,  roses,  flowers,  and  places  of 
most  romantic  beauty.  The  people  walk  back  and  forth  be- 
tween the  towns,  usually  barefoot;  and  they  greet  us  with 
true  native  courtesy.  The  town  of  Windward  is  a  most  beau- 
tiful spot.  It  is  up  much  higher  and  receives  more  of  the 
wind  and  is  cooler.  Our  little  chapel  here  is  12x15  feet, 
entirely  too  small  to  meet  the  needs.  We  made  a  few  calls, 
sang,  prayed  and  returned  home  in  time  for  dinner,  feeling  like 
we  had  been  to  Switzerleihd  and  the  Alps. 

254 


Wednesday,  April  1  7 

The  meetings  have  been  growing  in  interest  and  are  well 
attended.  The  people  are  so  appreciative  of  our  coming  and 
so  grateful  to  have  Brother  Beirnes  remain.  Brothers  Finch 
and  King  have  had  great  liberty  in  preaching.  Today  we 
met  about  forty  children,  and  had  a  precious  children's  meet- 
ing, and  we  believe  many  of  them  found  Jesus.  Sister 
Blyden  assisted  us  in  song  and  prayer,  and  then  we  went 
down  the  mountain  to  her  home  where  she  was  born  and 
reared.  She  is  from  a  family  of  eleven  children.  The  five 
brothers  are  all  sailors  and  are  away  from  home.  Five  sisters 
live  around  home.  Times  are  very  hard  here,  and  there  is 
much  suffering  and  anxiety  among  the  people.  Even  those 
having  a  little  money  can  scarcely  get  flour  and  food,  as  only 
a  small  amount  is  brought  here.  One  woman  was  buried 
yesterday  whose  death  was  caused  by  lack  of  food.  Potatoes 
are  $8.00  per  bbl.  here,  but  crops  are  poor  because  of  lack- 
of  rain.  We  have  been  without  bread  here,  so  can  understand 
their  suffering  in  a  measure. 

We  leave  tomorrow.  We  remain  long  enough  in  one  place 
to  become  attached  to  the  people,  and  then  tear  ourself  away. 
It  seems  to  us  that  this  is  one  of  the  best  mission  stations  We 
have,  as  ours  is  the  only  church  on  the  island,  except  the  An- 
glican and  the  Catholic.  We  now  have  the  respect  of  both 
the  high  and  the  low,  the  Governor  and  some  of  the  govern- 
ment officials  attending  the  church.  We  have  two  points 
outside  of  the  main  station,  with  a  membership  of  over  fifty, 
and  now  that  we  have  a  missionary  here  in  the  heart  of  the 
community,  the  work  can  develop  rapidly.  This  is  another 
field  where  we  must  have  a  suitable  church  building  as  soon 
as  possible,  as  the  one  now  used  is  over  one  hundred  years  old, 
and  so  small  that  not  one-t-hird  of  the  people  can  be  accom- 

257 


modated;  during  these  meetings,  the  windows,  doors,  yard  and 
stone  wall  being  crowded,  both  at  the  day  and  the  night 
services.  This  building,  with  the  large  lot  on  which  it  stands, 
is  already  paid  for,  and  the  building  can  easily  be  converted 
into  a  Mission  Home ;  while  there  is  room  on  the  lot  for  a 
good  church  edifice  besides.  This  once  done,  our  work  is 
establihsed.  as  the  p>eople  by  the  hundreds  are  persuaded  we 
are  preaching  the  truth.  Brother  Finch  preached  the  closing 
sermon  to  a  great  crowd.  His  subject  was  "Worship."  One 
old  man  and  his  wife  took  his  face  between  their  hands  and 
blessed  him  for  the  message.  Their  joy  and  gratitude  is  very 
touching,  and  to  the  last  they  shared  with  us  what  they  had; 
bringing  milk,  eggs,  fruit,  etc.,  to  the  home.  One  of  the  last 
gifts  was  a  parcel  of  potatoes  sewed  up  in  cloth,  and  this 
we  brought  along  with  us.  They  brought  beautiful  roses; 
followed  the  party  down  the  mountainside;  people  came  out 
of  their  homes  along  the  way  and  bade  us  goodby,  while  a 
crowd  went  down  to  the  landing,  and  the  last  thing  we  heard, 
as  our  boat  was  carried  over  the  breakers  was  the  song,  "God 
be  with  you  tUl  we  meet  again";  and  as  we  waved  them 
goodby  we  thought  of  the  words  of  Paul  on  his  way  to  Jeru- 
salem, and  of  the  people  whom  he  left,  "Sorrowing  most  of 
all  for  the  words  which  he  spake,  that  they  should  see  his  face 
no  more,  and  thep  accompanied  him  into  the  ship."  Many, 
if  not  all,  of  these  people  we  shall  never  see  again  on  Ceirth, 

St.  Kitts,  Friday,  April  19 

We  left  Saba  yesterday  at  9  A.  M.,  riding  all  day  and  all 
night  to  cover  forty  miles.  Had  we  an  auto  or  train  as  in 
U.  S.,  we  could  have  made  it  in  an  hour  aind  a  half.  We 
were  on  the  sloop  Anna,  and  this  was  even  much  slower  than 
the  schooner  that  brought  us.  As  Paul  said,  "The  wind  was 
contrary,"  and  they  had  to  "tack"  back  and  forth,  and  were 

258 


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6 


all  day  making  eighteen  miles,  sometimes  almost  coming  back 
to  the  point  of  starting.  There  was  nothing  to  do  but  to  lie 
patiently  in  the  steamer  chairs,  to  watch  the  sea  and  the  rolling, 
tumbling  vessel  as  it  went  up  and  down  on  the  tossing  billows. 
Over  and  over,  all  day  long  the  deck  was  washed,  as  the 
water  poured  over  it,  and  splashed  into  our  faces,  and  we 
could  brush  the  salt  off  after  the  water  dried.  We  forbear 
telling  of  the  em'barkment,  the  strain  and  shock,  lest  we  weary 
you,  but  we  felt  helpless  and  weak  for  hours.  We  ate  dry 
bread  and  crackers,  with  hard  boiled  eggs,  with  unutterably 
grateful  hearts.  One  prayer  has  been,  "Feed  me  with  food 
convenient  for  me,"  and  we  always  have  had  more  than  what 
is  promised.  Seasick?  Of  course  not;  we  didn't  expect  to 
be.  Faith  is  the  victorv.  We  have  now  gone  the  hardest 
trip  of  all,  and  are  believing  we  are  through  with  it.  Don't 
forget  to  give  God  all  the  glory,  for  it  is  He  and  He  alone, 
who  has  done  it.  We  left  St.  Stacia  after  8  o'clqck  P.  M., 
the  only  stop  that  is  made.  All  of  us  settled  down  for  the 
night,  with  raincoats,  blankets  and  pillows,  and  expected  to 
get  some  sleep,  the  new  moon  and  stars  shining  down  upon  us. 
A  shower  came  up,  umbrellas  were  raised,  but  the  wind  almost 
took  them  away.  This  kept  up  more  or  less  all  night,  and 
we  were  all  wet  and  chilled,  but  caught  snatches  of  sleep  in 
between.  Did  you  ever  see  a  rainbow  in  the  night?  There 
it  was,  a  beautiful  sight,  stretching  across  the  sky  at  midnight. 
Someone  may  ask,  "Why  didn't  you  go  below  in  the  bunk?" 
There  were  so  many  there  who  were  seasick,  and  with  the 
close,  foul  air,  and  dozens  of  rats  and  roaches,  we  preferred 
the  open  deck  and  fresh  air.  Wouldn't  you?  Brother  Finch 
has  been  so  sick  at  other  times  that  he  let  the  rats  run  over 
him  and  could  not  lift  a  finger,  nor  care.  The  long  night 
finally  passed,  and  we  reached  here  at  daybreak,  but  had  to 
wait  one  hour  for  the  harbor  master  to  come  but  and  permit 

261 


us  to  land.  This  done  we  weres  soon  on  shore,  with  bedrag- 
gled, wet  clothes  and  shoes,  blistered  faces  and  hands  from 
sun  and  wind,  worn  bodies,  looking  like  we  had  been  through 
a  siege.  In  remembering  the  missionaries  don't  forget  that 
there  is  a  wear  and  tear  on  clothes  as  well  as  nerves.  We 
find  a  welcome  home,  a  hot  breakfast  and  a  resting  place 
for  the  day.  We  are  trying  to  picture  to  you  the  real  life  of 
the  missionary  in  all  its  bearings.  We  are  glad  for  a  taste 
of  their  trials  and  hardships  as  well  as  their  joys.  This  is  the 
hardest  trip  of  all,  but  the  memory  of  those  dear  saints  at 
Saba,  made  so  happy  by  our  coming,  pays  us  double  for  all 
we  have  gone  through,  and  we  are  full  of  real  rejoicing.  We 
heard  Brbthex  Finch  say  that  sometimes  it  takes  him  weeks 
to  get  over  one  of  these  trips.  We  want  to  burden  you  in 
prayer  for  him,  for  remember,  this  is  no  easy  task,  but  it  is 
cheerfully  done  for  Jesus*  sake.  As  superintendent,  he  must 
frequently  visit  all  the  mission  stations,  and  needs  the  prayers 
and  co-operation  of  God's  people.  These  side  trips  have  all 
been  made  in  th  eCarribean  Sea. 

Charleston,  Nevis,  Saturday,  April  20 

Reached  here  at  5:35  lat  night,  but  had  to  remain  in  St, 
Kitts  all  day,  as  we  could  not  get  a  sailing  vessel  until  4  P.  M. 
The  wind  was  good,  and  we  came  over  in  one  hour  and  thirty- 
five  minutes.  How  good  to  get  back,  after  an  absence  of  one 
"week. 

Sister  King,  as  "gap-filler,"  preached  on  Sabbath  to  a 
crowded  house  and  kept  up  the  services.  We  have  no  definite 
idea  yet  when  we  can  leave  for  home,  but  will  know  soon. 
We  have  two  more  islands  to  visit. 

'Nevis,  Sunday  Mornmg,  April  21 

The  day  of  good  things  opened  at  five  A,  M,,  when  the 
people  gathered  for  an  early  prayermeeting.     How  they  pray! 

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Service  opened  again  at  1  1  o'clock,  with  singing,  "I  am  on 
the  Rock,"  "Abiding,"  and  other  songs  from  "Mounting 
Up."  When  these  dear  people  get  blessed,  they  rise  to  their 
feet,  raise  their  hands,  or  clap  both  of  them,  singing  with  up- 
turned faces;  sometimes  there  are  a  dozen  on  their  feet,  and 
it  blesses  our  soul.  Sister  Blyden  has  plowed  deep,  and  there 
is  a  good,  solid  work  here.  A  splendid  audience  greeted  us 
today,  one  hundred  or  more.  Sister  Blyden  gives  a  stirring 
exhortation  and  talk.  Brother  Finch  follows,  and  the  altar 
is  soon  filled.  There  was  much  weeping  and  praying,  and 
we  believe  some  found  God.  We  did  not  leave  the  hall  until 
nearly  2  o'clock.  Last  evening  there  was  no  service;  we  all 
gathered  in  the  sitting  room  while  Brother  Finch  read  to  us 
from  the  unabridged  life  of  Rev.  Hudson  Taylor,  founder  of 
the  China  Inland  Mission.  What  testings  and  trials  he  had  to 
endure,  and  what  insurmountable  difficulties  he  had  to  over- 
come! It  was  a  luxury  to  relax,  and  have  nothing  to  do  but 
rest  and  listen.  .         •/ 

Monday,  April  22  •     ■     .  i 

We  had  a  precious  meeting  last  night,  after  an  unctious 
song  service  when  mauiy  took  their  liberty,  walking  the  floor, 
praising  God.  With  Sister  Blyden  we  sang,  "Who  is  he  that 
overcometh  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb?"  we  asking  thes  ques- 
tion, she  giving  the  answer,  both  joining  in  the  chorus.  Brother 
Finch  preached  with  liberty,  "Blessed  are  the  undefiled."  It 
will  bear  fruit.  Brother  and  Sister  King  drove  to  Castles  for 
a  service  there.  •  .  .    ,,  ...    «;  .. 

Tuesday, /I pn7  23  "  .   '    ".     '" 

"Sammy"  told  us  when  the  nets  were  being  brought  in, 
and  we  hastened  to  the  beach.  What  a  sight!  The  great  fish- 
net stretching  nearly  a  half  block  long  was  being  drawn  in 

265      .;...•;.     ../ 


by  the  fishermen,  while  hundreds  of  leaping,  squirming  fish 
were  trying  to  regain  their  liberty.  They  beat  against  ITie  net 
in  vain  and  were  not  on  land  but  a  few  moments  until  they 
were  dead.  Crowded  around  were  dozens  of  men,  women 
and  children,  with  baskets,  buying  of  these  to  sell  again.  It 
was  most  interesting  and  we  thought  of  Jesus  when  the  dis- 
ciples brought  the  great  draught  of  fishes  to  lemd  and  the  net 
did  not  break.  There  were  three  hauls  today,  and  thousands 
of  fish  were  caught.  Sister  Blyden  bought  some  of  these 
and  we  ate  them  for  supper. 

Wednesday,  April  24 

How  can  we  describe  the  meeting  last  night?  It  was  an 
unusual  one,  the  regular  right  for  "testimony."  The  saints 
were  full,  and  their  cup  of  joy  ran  over.  Brother  Finch 
talked  on  "The  Second  Coming,"  Sister  King  sang  a  song 
about  Heaven,  and  before  the  meeting  was  over  we  felt  like 
we  had  a  foretaste  of  it,  or  part  of  it  had  dropped  down  in 
our  midst.  A  crowd  of  the  "Gingerland"  people  had  come 
in  a  body,  walking  the  four  miles  in  the  moonlight.  It  was 
like  a  Sunday  morning  at  Campmeeting,  and  the  saints  sang 
jubilantly  and  testified  with  blessing  and  liberty.  These  pre- 
cious black  friends  are  full  of  music,  and  when  you  get  a 
crowd  of  spirit-filled  singers  together  it -is  great,  and  we  had 
nothing  to  do  but  sit  back  and  enjoy  it.  I  wish  we  could 
picture  the  scene  while  the  audience  sang  a  song  we  had  never 
heard:  "I  want  to  crowTi  my  blessed  Savior,  blessed  Savior, 
but  I  cannot  until  I  make  my  peace  with  my  Lord  and  my 
God,  with  all  my  heart  and  with  all  my  soul.  I'll  serve  Him 
while  I  live,  1*11  serve  Him  while  I  live,  I'll  praise  Him  in 
the  New  Jerusalem."  The  unction  of  God  came  upon  the 
singers  and  the  freedom  in  the  spirit  was  a  luxury  to  behold. 
There  were  a  dozen  or  more  on  their  feet  at  once,  praising 

266 


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Him  in  their  own  unique  way.  Sister  Blyden  received  her 
share  of  blessing,  dancing  before  the  Lord  and  other  jpyful 
demonstrations.  One  sister  especially  attracted  attention,  there 
was  such  a  shine  on  her  face,  glory  in  her  voice  and  freedom, 
as  she  walked  up  and  down  praising  the  Lord,  with  the  ease  of 
a  bird  in  midair.  In  her  testimony  she  told  of  being  taken 
to  the  hospital  a  few  years  ago  by  Brother  Finch  and  Sister 
Coone,  with  a  loathsome  disease,  akin  to  leprosy;  and  when 
she  called  on  God  and  told  Him  if  He  would  heal  her,  she 
would  serve  Him  forever,  He  answered  prayer.  This  was 
the  first  time  Brother  Finch  had  seen  her  since  that  time. 
No  wonder  she  was  so  full  of  rejoicing.  She  is  our  local 
preacher  at  Gingerland  and  is  so  much  used  of  the  Lord. 
We  praise  Him  for  this  trophy  of  redeeming  grace  and  His 
miraculous  healing  power.  The  tide  of  testimony  went  on 
until  nearly  1 0  o'clock ;  one  brother  was  so  blessed  he  was 
prostrated.  Sister  Blyden  has  been  a  faithful  pastor.  There 
is  solid  work  here  that  rejoices  our  heart,  and  makes  us  glad 
for  the  money  spent  that  is  bringing  good  returns.  Those  who 
have  her  to  support  can  feel  their  money  is  well  invested. 

All  through  the  fields  we  have  heard  of  a  disease  called 
Elephantiasis,  and  here  we  have  seen  more  cases  than  any- 
where else.  It  is  a  disease  which  begins  in  the  foot  and  limb, 
causing  them  to  swell  and  enlarge  until  the  limb  is  as  large 
at  the  ankle  as  at  the  hip.  It  is  all  one  can  do  to  carry  it 
around.  We  saw  an  old  man  with  both  limbs  so  large  that 
he  was  an  awful  sight.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  suffering  at 
first  with  the  disease  and  many  have  their  limbs  cut  off,  and 
we  can  see  many  one-legged  people.  It  is  one  of  the  prevail- 
ing diseases. 


269 


CHAPTER  XVI 

"Home,  Sweet  Home" 

St.  Kitts,  Saturday,  April  27 

We  came  here  yesterday  morning,  and  are  waiting  for  a 
steamer  to  take  us  to  Antigua.  We  were  told  it  was  due 
today,  but  find  it  will  notcom  e  until  tomorrow.  The  agent 
would  not  sell  us  tickets,  informing  us  we  could  only  secure 
passage  through  the  purser  when  ship  arrived,  as  they  were 
full.  This  is  the  only  one  coming  for  ten  days  or  more,  and 
will  greatly  hinder  us  in  getting  home  to  the  Cincinnati  Camp. 
All  sailings  are  now  uncertain  and  limited.  The  two  small 
hotels  were  both  full,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  we  found 
lodging  at  all.  There  were  no  nets,  and  the  mosquitoes 
swarmed  by  the  dozen,  so  they,  with  fleais,  gnats  and  other 
little  pests  made  the  night  "exceedingly  interesting."  We 
fought  all  night,  having  very  little  sleep,  arising  jaded,  swol- 
len and  smarting  with  the  fever  and  burning  caused  by  the 
bites.  This  is  only  a  taste  of  what  the  missionaries  have  gone 
through  in  previous  years,  and  we  do  want  to  know  something 
of  it.  In  the  most  of  the  islands  now  our  missionaries  have 
their  own  rented  homes,  and  do  their  best  to  properly  care 
for  those  who  come,  but  here  we  have  to  rough  it.  Brother 
Finch  and  other  missionaries  have  gone  weeks  at  a  time,  having 
this  kind  of  experiences,  sleeping  in  hammocks,  on  top  of 
trunks,  on  decks  of  steamers,  in  chairs,  fighting  fleas,  mos- 
<]uitoes  and  all  kinds  of  insects,  not  knowing  what  it  was  to 

270 


have  a  good  night's  rest.  In  their  lectures  at  home  they  say 
but  Httle  of  the  dark  side,  but  we  want  to  give  you  a  glimpse 
of  the  strain,  tension  and  hardships  of  this  kind  of  life.  Help 
us  in  prayer  that  God  will  give  good  Mission  Homes,  where 
missionaries  can  live  sanitary  and  safe;  so  they  can  rest  prop>- 
erly  and  their  lives  be  prolonged. 

The  night  before  leaving  Nevis,  we  had  a  farewell  service. 
Brother  and  Sister  King  are  going  to  take  up  the  work  in 
Antigua  and  we  are  leaving  them.  Songs  and  testimonies  were 
in  order  for  each,  while  Brother  Finch  and  Sister  Blyden 
followed.  It  was  a  precious  service  and  we  leave  these  new 
found  friends  with  their  love  and  blessing.  A  crowd  was  at 
the  wharf  to  see  us  off. 

St.  Johns,  Antigua,  Monday;,  April  29 

Reached  here  this  morning  at  daybrceik,  after  spending 
three  days  at  St.  Kitts,  leaving  the  whole  party  worn  and 
sick  from  loss  of  sleep,  etc.  There  was  nothing  to  do  but 
patiently  endure  it.  Two  meetings  were  held  and  God  blessed. 
All  accommodations  were  taken  on  the  Korttna,  but  the  pursur 
kindly  permitted  the  party  to  sleep  in  steamer  chairs  on  the 
deck.  The  ocean  was  quiet;  it  was  not  cold,  and  only  one 
night's  journey,  so  no  one  suffered  in  any  way,  and  the  freedom 
from  insect  pests  was  a  great  relief.  At  the  last,  a  business 
man  kindly  offered  the  writer  his  place  in  the  stateroom  he 
had  paid  for,  so  we  occupied  it  with  his  wife.  He  slept  on 
deck,  too.  Only  God  can  know  how  gratefully  this  was  ac- 
cepted. The  Lord  seemed  to  double  up  on  the  sleep,  and  we 
have  worked  hard  all  day. 

Here  we  found  letters  from  home  and  the  islands,  the  latter 
from  Brothers  Slater,  Beirnes  and  Schoombie,  full  of  rejoicing. 
Brother  Beirnes  writes  of  the  mir&culous  deliverance  of  their 
little  daughter.     She  swallowed  a  berry,  deadly  poison,  acting 

271 


like  carbolic  acid.  She  became  limp  and  like  death.  The 
missionaries  laid  hands  on  her,  prayed,  and  God  wonderfully 
delivered.  Later  Brother  Beirnes  took  a  berry  to  the  drug- 
gist and  he  told  him  what  it  was,  and  that  he  had  known  a 
horse  to  die  in  two  hours  after  eating  one.  Praise  God  for 
this  triumph  of  His  power!  We  believe  this  calls  for  united 
praise.  Hallelujah!  Brother  Slater  writes  of  the  farewell 
meeting  with  Brother  and  Sister  Beirnes  on  April  22. 
"Brother  and  Sister  Beirnes  had  a  most  wonderful  meeting 
yesterday.  People  came  from  all  points,  the  church  was  well 
filled  in  the  morning.  We  began  at  10  o'clock  and  the  tide 
was  higher  than  I  have  ever  seen  it  since  I  have  been  in  the 
West  Indies.  The  testimonies  were  wonderful.  We  had  the 
people  march  around  for  the  offering,  and  they  placed  $55.73 
on  the  table  and  raised  it  to  $57.73  last  night.  Almost  every- 
body gave."  Only  those  who  know  how  little  these  people 
have,  can  appreciate  this  splendid  offering.  Brother  Beirnes 
and  family  sailed  April  28  on  a  direct  line  for  New  York. 
They  are  expecting  to  locate  in  Lansing,  Mich.,  for  the  year 
they  are  on  furlough.  This  is  one  of  Brother  Beirnes'  last 
pastorates  and  where  he  is  greatly  beloved.  Pastor  Wood 
and  his  loyal  people  are  planning  on  loaning  and  donating 
enough  furniture,  etc.,  to  make  a  home  for  them.  What  a 
lovely  touch  of  brotherly  kindness  to  these  servants!  After 
having  been  on  the  field  we  feel  too  much  cannot  be  done  for 
any   ambassador  when  he  returns. 

Brother  Will  Beirnes  writes  from  Saba  that  God  is  givitig 
victory  there  and  that  he  has  found  a  suitable  building  for 
the  windward  side  of  the  island.  All  that  is  needed  is  the 
money  to  convert  it  into  a  good  Mission  building  and  home. 
Some  of  our  best  stations  are  in  buildngs  that  were  bought 
ad  then  remodeled,  much  of  ths  bein  gdone  by  the  missionaries. 
I  am  profoundly  impressed  with  the  labor  of  their  hands  as 

272 


well  as  their  spiritual  work.  Hundreds  of  dollars  have  been 
saved  to  the  missionary  cause  by  their  self-sacrificing  labor. 
We  could  not  have  had  the  splendid  buildings  at  Antigua 
and  Nevis  had  it  not  been  for  the  untiring  work  of  Brother 
Coone.  Brother  George  Beirnes  has  also  managed  and  helped 
with  his  own  hands  the  erection  of  four  church  buildings. 
Some  natives  passing  while  he  was  on  the  last  church  in  South 
America,  remarked  that  the  white  man  was  doing  as  much 
as  four  of  them  could  do.  Just  before  leaving  for  Saba  we 
saw  three  mattresses,  a  table,  vegetable  safe,  bookcase,  and 
other  articles  of  furniture  that  Brother  Will  Beirnes  had  made 
for  his  own  use.  These  articles  were  too  expensive  to  buy 
ready  made.  Not  only  this,  but  they  have  kept  the  places 
in  repair.  How  necessary  for  missionaries  to  be  all-round 
workers. 

Our  native  workers  have  nobly  don6  their  part.  I  am  grati- 
fied and  satisfied  with  the  work  and  workers.  From  what 
we  have  witnessed  with  our  own  eyes,  we  must  say  that  we 
believe  missionary  money  has  been  wisely  spent.  Everywhere 
we  have  gone  we  have  seen  the  fruit  of  Brother  James  M. 
Taylor's  labors. 

Brother  Schoombie  writes,  "These  are  wonderful  days  to 
my  soul,  my  horizon  is  enlarging,  my  vision  clearer,  my  heart 
more  tender,  praise  the  Lord!  Am  having  some  wonderful 
times.  God  is  giving  me  messages  for  the  people.  Easter 
Sunday  twenty- four  souls  came  forward  for  prayer.  I  don't 
have  time  to  get  lonesome,  my  mind  is  clear,  my  body  strong, 
and  it  is  easy  to  preach  these  days."  He  dedicated  the  church 
on  April  21  at  Unity,  the  first  out-station,  where  the  Gov- 
ernment had  given  the  land.  How  glad  we  are  for  this! 
These  letters  haye  brought  great  cheer  and  blessing  to  Brother 
Finch's  heart.  We  are  here  in  Antigua  for  a  few  days.  Sis- 
ter Coone's  gracious  welcome  has  been  so  appreciated.     There 

273 


is  such  a  touch  of  home  about  the  whole  place  that  after  our 
three-days'  seige  we  feel  like  we  have  found  a  bit  of  Heaven. 
More   about  Antigua   later. 

Barbuda,  Wednesday),  Ma^  1 

This  is  another  eventful  day.  We  feel  more  like  heading 
this  Robinson  Crusoe's  Island,  Tobago;  for  it  is  a  lone  island 
by  itself,  and  gave  us  this  impression  on  seeing  it.  The  coast 
stretches  out  for  miles  along  weary  wastes  of  sand  and 
shrubbery,  low  and  level,  not  a  hill  or  tall  tree  in  sight.  It 
made  us  think  of  Columbus'  discovery  of  America,  only  there 
were  no  Indians  down  on  the  coast  to  greet  us — not  a  living 
soul,  only  one  small  hut  and  an  old  wreck  of  a  fort. 

We  left  Antigua  at  5  A.  M.,  and  reached  here  at  11  A.  M., 
the  same  distance  as  to  Saba,  but  good  wind.  Our  vessel 
was  ■  a  small  sloop  and  so  short — it  hardly  went  sixteen  feet 
straight.  Sister  King's  chair  had  to  be  strapped  on  deck. 
She  and  Brother  Finch  fed  the  fishes.  Sister  King  feels  it 
was  worth  five  dollars  to  her,  but  we  begged  to  be  excused 
every  time.  It  was  a  rough  voyage,  but  thank  God,  it  was 
short.  The  vessel  anchored  one-fourth  mile  from  shore,  and 
we  were  taken  in  a  little  row  boat.  There  was  no  wharf, 
so  we  each  had  to  be  picked  up  and  carried  to  land.  Sister 
King  took  a  snapshot  of  the  writer  while  she  was  being  carried 
through  the  breakers  by  a  big  sailor.  Just  imagine  us!  As 
he  felt  our  weight,  he  exclaimed,  "Lord,  have  mercy  on  me!" 
This  afforded  much  amusement  to  the  others.  We  couIJ  not 
help  ourself.  We  had  had  no  breakfast,  as  we  left  so  early, 
so  we  sat  down  on  the  sand  and  ate  crackers,  cheese,  eggs 
and  bananas.  We  were  all  hungry  enough  to  have  it  taste 
like  a  feast.  If  someone  wants  to  give  the  missionaries  a 
Christmas  present  for  such  trips,  send  Brother  Finch  the  money 
for   a   two-quart   "icy-hot"   botde.      Some   hot   cocoa   would 

274 


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have  made  it  better  tor  the  sick  ones,  for  hard-boiled  eggs 
and  dry  bread  are  not  always  the  best  for  weak  stomachs 
after  such  voyages. 

The  village  is  three  miles  from  where  we  landed,  and  to 
get  there  we  had  to  cross  a  wide  stretch  of  prairie.  Ijt  is 
strictly  a  coral  island;  the  soil  so  thin  above  the  coral  rock 
that  no  heavy  timber  or  little  else  will  grow.  A  jolt-wagon 
belonging  to  the  Government  came  to  meet  us,  the  only 
American  wagon  we  have  seen  in  all  these  months,  but  in- 
stead of  hitching  the  team  right,  the  ponies  were  hitched  to 
to  a  long  pole  ten  feet  from  the  wheels.  However,  we  were 
proud  of  our  carriage  and  enjoyed  that  ride  through  the 
shrubbery  and  prairie  land  with  the  spring  odors  of  wild 
flowers,  just  as  much  as  if  we  were  in  an  automobile.  When 
within  a  mile  of  the  village  we  passed  through  a  gate.  Upon 
inquiry  as  to  the  need  of  this  fence,  we  were  told  it  was  to 
protect  the  gardens  from  the  wild  animals  and  fowl  which 
inhabit  the  land — deer,  wild  hogs,  goats,  cattle  and  ducks. 

As  we  emerge  in  the  open,  we  are  greatly  surprised  at  the 
scene  before  us.  The  whole  place  presents  the  appearance 
of  a  typical  African  village;  and  a  business  man  coming 
here  with  us  for  sponges,  who  has  been  in  Africa  and  around 
the  world,  told  us  it  was  so.  Brother  Finch  thought  it  worth 
coming  to  see.  All  the  homes  appeared  to  be  thatch-covered, 
and  the  people  pure  blacks  like  Africans.  One  of  the  Gov- 
ernment houses  was  thrown  open  to  us,  and  we  were  comfort- 
ably cared  for.  We  brought  our  own  provisions — rice,  salmon, 
potatoes,  maccaroni,  etc. — and  the  good  sisters  prepared  the 
dinner  at  4  o'clock.  A  planter  on  Antigua  was  a  slave  im- 
porter, and  as  he  procured  more  slaves  than  needed,  he  placed 
them  on  this  little  island,  and  in  this  way  he  had  plenty,  and 
when  he  wanted  more  help,  came  here  for  it.  Some  years 
before  our  Civil  War,   England   bought  her  slaves  and   set 

277 


them  free.  They  have  only  800  to  900  people  on  the  island 
now,  though  it  is  as  large  as  Antigua.  The  soil  does  not 
produce  much,  the  principle  product  being  peanuts.  They 
raise  cattle,  donkeys,  sheep,  etc.  There  is  not  a  store,  market, 
or  a  middle-man,  and  they  depend  on  the  men  with  sloops  to 
bring  them  flour,  food,  etc.,  and  when  they  are  unable  to  get 
it,  they  suffer.  This  is  one  of  the  most  peaceable  people  on 
earth,  living  like  one  big  family.  Once  a  year  they  have 
court,  and  the  little  petty  cases  are  tried,  if  there  be  any.  There 
are  no  Catholics  here,  which  makes  it  an  easy  field,  with  little 
opposition.  The  missionaries  were  welcomed  with  open  arms, 
even  the  acting  Governor  telling  us  our  stay  was  too  short. 
We  were  supp>osed  to  dedicate  the  new  church,  but  it  was  not 
completed. 

At  4:30  we  met  the  people  here  and  had  the  picture  taken. 
About  300  assembled,  saints  and  sinners.  It  means  something 
to  have  the  missionaries  come,  and  all  alike  were  interested. 
Brother  Finch  spoke  briefly  to  the  church,  exhorting  on  various 
lines.  He  also  attended  to  much  business.  We  were  invited 
into  one  of  the  native  homes,  and  saw  just  how  they  live. 
Some  of  them  brought  presents  of  the  pretty  pink  shells  which 
abound  here,  a  native  broom  to  carry  to  the  States;  and  still 
another  brought  two  turtles  in  a  pretty  basket.  We  took  a 
walk  on  the  nearby  beach,  gathered^  a  few  shells,  passed  the 
village  well,  euid  told  those  who  were  drawing  water  of  the 
Water  of  Life. 

At  7  p.  M.  we  gathered  at  the  church  for  the  evening 
meeting.  It  was  like  a  brush-arbor  or  campmeeting.  Therr 
were  no  seats,  so  the  people  brought  their  chairs,  boxes,  benches, 
stools,  etc.  The  children  lay  asleep  all  around.  Lanterns 
were  hung  on  the  unfinished  posts,  a  pole  was  pushed  into  the 
ground  and  a  torchlight  placed  upon  it.  A  table  was  used 
for  the  pulpit,  and  the  service  began.     Between  200  and  300 

278 


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gathered,  a  crowd  standing,  among  them  officers.  After  a 
lively  song  service,  led  by  Sister  King  with  her  guitar,  each 
missionary  spoke,  sang,  or  took  part. 

The  church  when  completed  will  be  a  good-sized  one — 
30x40  feet.  Forty-four  rafters  were  given  by  the  Government, 
from  wrecked  vessels;  lime  is  also  given  free.  The  sand  for 
the  plaster  is  brought  from  the  seashore.  The  sSdes  are 
wattle,  the  boughs  of  the  wild  tamerine  are  woven  in,  to 
make  it  strong  and  firm.  The  plaster  is  then  placed  on  this 
both  inside  and  out.  One  of  the  leading  laymen  has  taken 
charge  of  the  building,  giving  his  time  free  of  charge.  There 
are  about  ninety  members,  and  more  to  come  when  the  church 
is  completed  and  there  is  room.  They  now  worship  in  a  small 
house.      [Finished  since  we  left.] 

Antigua,  Friday,  Mav  3 

We  got  up  at  4  A.  M.  yesterday  for  the  return  trip,  but 
did  not  get  off  before  8:30.  The  crew  were  taking  a  pony 
along,  and  had  quite  a  bit  of  trouble  getting  it  located  on 
the  ship.  It  swam  to  the  ship  and  then  was  lifted  by  block 
and  tackle  out  of  the  water,  down  into  the  hold.  There  was 
good  wind  and  we  made  the  trip  in  less  than  five  and  a  half 
hours.  The  barometer  showed  light  wind  and  the  captain 
said  the  weather  was  against  us,  but  in  answer  to  definite 
prayer  all  was  changed.  The  hours  were  packed  so  full  that 
we  were  all  worn  out,  but  after  resting  we  attended  service 
last  night,  as  it  may  be  our  last,  for  we  leave  on  the  first 
steamer  for  Barbados  to  catch  a  fast  one  for  New  York. 
Sister  King  sang  feelingly,  "Meet  me  there,"  and  we  talked 
a  little,  and  sang.  There  is  always  a  touch  of  the  pathetic 
in  a  farewell  service,  and  as  we  have  learned  to  lo\e  these 
dear  people  all  over  the  field,  there  is  a  bond  of  sympathy 
and  love,  yet  as  the  coming  of  Jesus  seems  so  nea",  it  is  easy 

281 


to  say  goodby,  for  it  won't  be  long  before  all   the  blood- 
washed  will  be  gathered  Home, 

This  is  one  of  the  poorest  islands  in  the  West  Indies;  mary 
of  the  people  living  in  their  huts  eke  out  a  bare  existence. 
Their  suspicions  and  superstitions  are  almost  equal  to  tliose  in 
Africa.  One  village  within  four  miles  of  here  is  said  to  have 
ninety-nine  Obia  doctors.  Weird  are  the  stories  they  can 
tell,  and  incidents  that  have  happened.  There  is  no  fulh 
salvation  work  on  this  island  outside  of  our  work.  The 
population  is  forty  thousand.  At  one  time  Brother  Coone 
had  thirteen  preaching  places,  but  towards  the  last  he  was  too 
worn  out  to  keep  them,  but  we  still  have  the  three  regular 
appointments,  and  now  with  a  pony  and  rig  we  ask  you  to 
pray  that  God  will  use  Brother  and  Sister  King  to  revive  the 
work.  Our  building  here  is  worth  $2,000,  the  hall  below 
seating  250,  with  the  Mission  Home  above,  containing  six 
rooms.  There  is  also  a  nice,  large  yard,  stable  and  wash- 
house,  with  garden  containing  plum,  pear,  cocoanut  and  mango 
trees.  The  hall  is  right  in  the  thickly  settled  district.  It  is 
not  hard  to  have  a  good  congregation  here,  for  the  hall  is 
often  crowded,  with  many  outside. 

We  visited  Winthrop,  the  first  out-appointment,  this  after- 
.  noon.     It  is  four  and  a  half  miles  out,  where  we  have  thirty- 
five  members  and  a  good  native  pastor.     Freetown  is  fifteen 
miles   away,    at   a   lonely   end   of   the   island,   with   fourteen 
members. 

Steamer  Chaleur,  Monday,  Ma^  6 

Left  the  friends  at  St.  John,  Antigua,  Saturday.  The 
Kings  are  in  charge  of  the  work  there  and  at  Barbuda  and 
out-stations.  Sisters  Blyden  and  Coone  were  to  return  to 
Nevis  today.  All  business  was  attended  to,  and  we  left  v^ath 
a  feeling  that  we  were  through.      One  of  our  last  errands  was 

282 


to  walk  out  a  mile  or  so  to  the  cemetery  and  visit  the  grave 
of  Brother  Coone,  one  of  God's  noblest  men.  He  lies  in  one 
of  earth's  beautiful  spots.  On  the  head  of  his  tombstone 
were  the  words  of  his  testimony,  "Jesus  is  my  all  in  all."  He 
will  go  up  when  the  trumpet  calls. 

We  are  enjoying  the  voyage  down  to  Barbados — a  heavilv 
loaded  vessel  and  a  quiet  sea.  This  is  an  English  vessel 
bound  for  Halifax,  only  stopping  at  a  few  of  the  islands. 
The  ship's  doctor  has  told  us  more  about  the  war  than  we 
have  learned  in  four  weeks  past.  We  feel  like  we  have  been 
out  of  the  world. 

We  have  just  been  reading  Brother  Wimberly's  "Behold, 
the  Morning  Cometh,"  and  just  as  we  were  in  the  chapt«- 
where  he  referred  to  the  awful  eruption  on  Martinique,  we 
were  passing  the  very  island.  The  city  of  St.  Pierre  being 
in  s'ght  with  its  thirty-five  thousand  buried  beneath  the  lava^ 
It  was  so  with  the  wicked,  we  wonder  if  any  will  be  in  the 
rapture. 

Our  stateroom  has  been  shared  by  a  real  old  gray-haired 
lady  who  has  had  her  taste  of  sorrow.  She  was  a  Catholic 
and  spent  much  time  on  her  knees  with  her  cross,  counting 
beads.  She  was  very  seasick  before  leaving,  and  we  had  the 
sweet  opportunity  of  telling  her  of  the  One  Mediator,  the  man 
Christ  Jesus.     She  received  the  message  very  kindly. 

Tuesday,  May  7 

Last  n'ght  we  stopped  at  one  of  the  islands  to  load  coal. 
We  heard  the  engineer  give  the  order  for  one  hundred  tons. 
In  all  these  travels  we  had  never  seen  a  vessel  coaled,  but 
had  heard  Brother  Finch  say  much  about  it  when  at  home. 
They  placed  fifty  tons  in  one  bunker  and  fifty  in  another 
About  fifty  men  hoisted  the  gangway  to  reach  the  deck  of 
the  vessel,  and  then  the  procession  began.     Twenty-five  black 

283 


women,  besides  the  men,  all  in  single  file,  each  carried  a 
basket  containing  a  bushel  on  their  heads,  walking  from  the 
coalshed  across  the  yard,  up  the  long  gangway  over  the  deck 
to  the  bunker,  where  they  tipped  it  down,  and  then  walked 
off  with  their  baskets  for  another  load.  As  they  stepped  upon 
the  deck  each  was  given  a  ticket  for  which  they  collected  ore 
cent.  It  was  half-past  nine  when  they  began  and  the  vessel 
left  at  4  A.  M.  When  we  asked  one  woman  how  much  she 
would  earn,  she  replied,  "Forty-five  cents."  They  were  of 
all  ages,  young  and  old;  a  pitiful  sight  to  us.  We  recalled 
the  old  slave  days.  Some  had  physiques  of  the  strongest  men; 
others  small  and  unequal  to  the  laborious  task.  Some  of  them 
were  members  of  the  Solvation  Ahmy,  a  mission,  and  one  or 
two  churches.  This  is  one  of  the  hard  ways  they  have  of 
earning  their  daily  bread. 

At  this  island  there  is  a  garrison  of  200  Canadian  soldiers. 
Life  is  very  dull  for  them.  Quite  a  crowd  of  them  came 
aboard,  and  we  had  occasion  to  engage  in  conversation  with 
one  of  them,  a  young  man  of  twenty-four,  religiously  inclined, 
but  far  from  God.  There  was  supposed  to  be  a  Bible  for 
every  soldier,  but  he  knew  of  only  four  among  the  crowd, 
and  there  were  no  religious  meetings  of  any  kind  held  for 
them.  We  have  been  reading  in  the  REVIVALIST  since  we 
left,  of  the  effort  made  of  putting  the  paper  into  the  hands 
of  soldiers,  and  felt  that  here  is  one  of  the  best  of  opportuni- 
ties. We  talked  to  him  of  Jesus  and  what  salvation  could 
do,  and  feel  the  seed  has  fallen  into  good  ground.  Pray  for 
this  soldier  boy,  and  the  other  two  hundred.  We  have  his 
name  and  address  and  expect  to  send  literature  to  them. 

Mr.  Stevenson,  of  the  London  Missionary  Society,  sta- 
tioned in  the  South  Sea  Islands,  is  on  board,  and  by  accident 
discovered  us.  His  pleasure  was  real  on  meeting  other  mis- 
sionaries.     He  had  felt  so  alone  and  the  meeting  of  someone 

284 


of  like  faith  was  a  source  of  mutual  joy.  He  is  filled  with  a 
longing  for  the  Lord's  return  and  is  daily  looking  for  Him. 
We  have  had  some  pleasant  interviews. 

Barbados,  Wednesday,  Ma^  8 

We  reached  here  in  safety  yesterday  afternoon,  but  were 
held  for  an  hour  or  more  after  we  were  anchored.  Thirteen 
"Stowaways"  were  in  the  hold  who  were  trying  to  get  to 
Cauiada,  but  were  discovered  and  brought  back.  Only  ten 
could  be  found  at  first  and  until  they  all  were,  no  one  was 
allowed  to  leave.  After  a  long  search  one  more  was  found, 
and  the  other  confessed  that  two  had  sneaked  oil  at  the  last 
stop.  These  eleven  were  lined  up  before  the  harbor  master, 
doctor  and  captain.  Passengers  crowded  to  see  them,  and 
were  an  unwilling  spectacle,  guilty,  captured  and  condemned. 
It  made  us  think  of  the  judgment  when  all  must  give  an  account. 
They  are  to  be  locked  up  in  prison. 

Brother  and  Sister  Slater,  with  Sister  Finch,  came  out  to 
get  us  and  we  were  soon  at  home  with  a  joyous,  hilarious 
welcome  from  the  children.  We  had  looked  for  mail,  but  not 
one  letter  had  come.  This  is  another  taste  of  missionary  life. 
There  are  so  few  vessels  and  so  much  uncertainty  we  could 
not  tell  when  we  could  get  to  New  York. 

Friday,  Ma^  10 

Brother  Slater  had  booked  us,  conditionally,  on  a  Brazilian 
boat  leaving  the  20th,  but  on  looking  into  it.  Brother  Finch 
found  not  a  soul  on  board  who  would  be  able  to  speak  Eng- 
lish, and  refused  to  have  us  go  on  that.  We  heard  the  Gui- 
ana was  booked  full,  but  on  her  arrival  into  port  yesterday, 
he  secured  passage,  sailing  the  1 4th.  Our  hearts  are  now 
homeward  bound. 

285 


Saturday,  Ma\)  1 1 

Yesterday  afternoon  we  all  went  to  see  a  good  brother  in 
the  country  who  has  a  circuit  of  three  churches.  The  story 
of  his  conversion  is  remarkable.  He  was  a  worldly  church- 
member  and  a  business  man,  a  successful  planter,  and  was 
called  "The  Sugar  King"  of  Barbados.  One  day  a  native 
lad  came  to  see  him  for  a  subscription,  and  before  leaving 
said  he  could  not  go  without  saying  something  about  his  soul, 
and  quoted  to  him,  "Without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the 
Lord."  He  was  insulted  and  ordered  him  out,  but  he  could 
not  get  rid  of  the  Holy  Spirit  so  easily,  for  in  this  case,  the 
Word  of  God  was  "quick  and  powerful  and  sharper  than  a 
two-edged  sword,  piercing  even  to  the  dividing  asunder  of 
soul  and  spirit  and  is  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents 
of  the  heart."  He  was  so  convicted  and  pierced  that  for 
three  days  he  could  do  nothing  but  weep  and  pray  in  great 
anguish  of  spirit.  He  told  God  he  knew  he  was  not  holy, 
and  if  without  holiness  no  man  could  see  God,  then  he  was 
on  the  way  to  hell,  but  he  must  see  Him.  The  struggle  went 
on.  One  day,  in  great  desperation,  he  locked  himself  in  his 
room  and  prayed  until  God  wonderfully  saved  him. 

Inside  of  two  months  he  saw  his  great  need  of  a  clean 
heart,  and  sought  help  from  his  pastor  and  others,  but  no  one 
could  help  him.  Again,  with  his  whole  heart,  he  went  straight 
to  God,  the  safest,  surest  and  most  direct  way  for  any  soul, 
for,  "If  ye  seek  me,  ye  shall  find  me,  when  ye  search  for  me 
with  all  your  heart."  He  was  a  large  man  of  powerful 
physique  and  the  enemy  told  him  he  was  too  strong,  that  he 
would  have  to  be  made  weak  or  sick.  In  great  distress  he 
told  the  Lord  that  he  must  be  holy  and  if  necessary  .to  strike 
him  white  with  leprosy,  to  make  him  holy  at  any  cost.  And 
with  such  a  prayer  and  consecration  the  marvelous,  blessed 
work  was  done  in  his  soul.     His  wife  followed  him.     They 

286 


immediately  left  all,  and  have  fully  walked  with  God  from 
that  day  to  this.  He  has  taught  them  to  trust  Him  for  their 
health,  and  neither  has  touched  medicine  since.  What  a 
joy  to  hear  this  testimony.  This  is  another  answer  to  the 
question,  "Do  Missions  pay?"  He  exhorted  Brothers  Finch 
and  Slater  to  enter  every  open  dooi,  that  the  Gospel  we  are 
preaching  is  just  what  this  island  is  needing.  Do  you  say 
Amen?  There  are  so  many  of  them  that  we  are  almost  be- 
wildered because  of  the  lack  of  money  and  missionaries,  "Pray 
ye  that  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  may  send  more  laborers  into 
his  harvest." 

We  spent  the  night  at  Brother  Slater's  enjoying  their  hos- 
pitality. In  the  morning  he  took  us  to  "Lazaretta,"  the  leper 
asylum  here,  especially  to  see  one  of  the  members  of  the  city 
church.  She  is  thirty-three  years  of  age  and  has  had  a 
crippled  hand  from  childhood,  also  spots  on  her  face.  As 
they  have  always  remained  the  same  the  inspectors  never 
reported  the  case.  Quite  recently  a  new  inspector  came  and 
reported  her,  and  she  was  sent  as  a  leper  case.  Instead  of 
repining,  she  accepted  the  decision  as  God's  appointment  for 
her  and  feels  she  is  as  clearly  led  there  as  any  minister  to 
his  charge.  She  has  organized  a  Sunday-school,  of  thirty- 
three  members,  three  lepers  have  been  converted,  and  the 
superintendent  and  keepers  are  rejoicing  over  her  work.  She 
is  so  full  of  triumph  that  we  said  on  leaving,  "That  woman 
has  the  blessing."  Have  you  such  grace  as  that?  Do  some 
still  ask,  "Do  missions  pay?"  Here  is  the  answer.  (A  full 
account  of  this  leper  will  be  put  into  tract  form.) 

Monday,  Ma^  1 3 

We  attended  church  yesterday  both  morning  and  evening. 
Brother  Finch  preached  at  both  services,  with  much  power 
and  blessing.      In  the  evening  we  bade  the  people  farewell. 

287 


We  caime  to  this  church  first,  and  bade  them  "Goodby"  last. 
Many  came  to  shake  hands,  assuring  us  of  their  prayers,  and 
wishing  us  a  "Safe  voyage."  Our  heart  was  full  of  tender 
memories,  thinking  of  the  love  and  kindness  of  the  missionaries 
and  the  people  we  have  met  in  the  past  four  months,  knowing 
that  most  of  them  we  shall  never  see  again  here  below.  They 
have  found  a  warm  place  in  our  hearts,  and  we  love  to  carry 
them  to  a  throne  of  grace. 

We  came,  deeply  interested  in  missions,  but  we  go  away 
burdened  With  the  needs  of  this  portion  of  a  whitened  harvest 
field.  We  have  poured  out  our  hearts  to  you  on  paper,  and 
we  leave  the  results  with  God.  We  are  more  and  more  forci- 
bly impressed  that  missions  do  pay  and  will  in  the  years  to 
come,  if  Jesus  tarries. 

It  has  been  good  to  have  a  few  days'  rest  after  the  past 
strenuous  weeks.  Trunks,  suitcases  and  grips  are  packed, 
ready  for  the  last  voyage. 

On  Board  Guiana,  Wednesday,  Ma^  15 

We  left  yesterday  at  4:30  P.  M.  We  were  tenderly  com- 
mitted to  God  at  family  prayers,  by  the  Finch  family,  with 
every  need  spread  before  Him.  The  last  hours  flew  swiftly 
by.  Brother  and  Sister  Finch  with  Brother  and  Sister  Slater 
saw  us  safely  on  board.  We  had  to  leave  them  and  go  on  a 
long  journey  alone  for  the  first  time.  For  five  months  we  have 
been  with  some  of  the  missionaries  continually.  It  was  a  new 
and  peculiar  exnerience  and  we  had  to  choke  back  some  tears, 
but  after  the  little  boat  (with  waving  hats  and  handkerchiefs) , 
taking  them  to  shore  had  disappeared,  and  the  land  was  fast 
receding  from  sight,  the  Holy  Spirit  was  singing  in  our  heart: 

"There's  a  secret,  precious  secret, 

God   has  whispered  in  my  soul, 
'Tis   that  He  will   ever  keep  me. 

While   eternal  ages  roll." 

288 


"I  will  compass  him  about  with  songs  of  deliverance."  We 
drew  nigh  to  Him  and  He  drew  nigh  to  us. 

We  are  having  an  uneventful  voyage,  stopping  an  hour  or 
so  at  each  island  until  we  came  here  today  expecting  to 
remain  two  days  taking  on  a  heavy  cargo  of  sugar  for  the 
States.  As  this  is  an  American  island,  all  passengers  were 
called  on  deck,  lined  up,  and  inspected  and  counted  by  the 
doctor  from  shore.  This  is  done  for  protection  in  New  York. 
The  Police  Commissioner,  examining  my  passport  for  permis- 
sion to  land,  noticed  my  birth  place,  looked  up  to  tell  me 
that  he  was  from  the  same  city  in  Michigan.  The  pleasure 
was  mutual. 

Brother  Finch  and  some  of  the  others  feel  that  the  Diary 
Letters  should  be  put  into  book  form,  and  scattered  in  the 
interest  of  the  West  India  work,  so  we  have  been  busy  cor- 
recting and  preparing  all  we  have  seen  of  them  in  print.  The 
book  will  be  well  illustrated  and  some  extra  matter  added. 
We  will  be  pleased  for  every  reader  who  has  helped  and 
followed  us  with  his  prayers  to  secure  a  copy.  Price  and 
announcement  of  its  being  ready  for  circulation  will  follow 
later.  We  promised  the  children  a  letter  about  the  cocoanut 
and  its  uses,  but  this  will  appear  in  the  book,  with  a  photo- 
graph of  the  tree  full  of  nuts,  with  Brother  Finch  and  myself 
under  them. 

The  sunset  last  evening  was  indescribably  glorious.  We 
thought  of  the  city  of  Gold  and  the  New  Jerusalem.  "And 
the  city  was  pure  gold  like  unto  clear  glass." 

"Oh,  those  beautiful  streets  of  gold, 
All  its  glories  I  shall  behold; 
How  my  heart  will  rejoice  tomorrow, 
When  I  walk  up  those  streets  of  gold." 

289 


Saturday,  Ma^  18,  5/.  Croix. 

We  spent  a  few  hours  on  shore  yesterday  calling  on  Sister 
Armstrong.  Sister  Hunt,  the  English  missionary,  came  to 
see  us  on  board.  They  gave  me  a  cake,  fruit  and  shells.  They 
have  carried  on  a  cargo  of  12,000  bags  of  sugar,  each  bag 
containing  270  pounds.  It  is  a  relief  to  have  the  song  of 
the  derrick  cease.  We  took  a  peep  into  the  hold,  and  the 
bags  were  packed  in  like  peas  in  a  pod.  Prof.  Holborn, 
of  Oxford  College,  England,  is  on  board.  He  is  one  of  the 
survivors  of  the  Lusitania  and  gave  the  story  last  night  to  the 
passengers,  of  his  own  rescue  and  that  of  a  little  girl  he  was 
instrumenetal  in  saving.      It  was  thrilling. 

San  Juan,  Porto  Rico,  Ma^  20 

We  came  here  yesterday  morning  for  an  extra  cargo-  of 
sugar,  and  have  taken  on  altogether  33,000  bags,  each  con- 
taining 270  pounds.  Children,  how  many  pounds  does  that 
make?  The  U.  S.  will  surely  be  a  bit  sweeter  now.  We 
have  come  out  of  our  regular  course  to  get  this.  This  is  an 
American  city  of  6,000.  The  harbor  and  buildings  present 
quite  an  American  aspect.  The  land  is  low,  with  the  hills 
in  the  distance.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  islands,  and  is  beauti- 
ful in  appearance.  Cocoanut  and  other  trees  line  the  shore, 
while  the  rows  of  low,  red-roofed  Spanish  houses  stand  out 
in  bold  relief.  The  old  Spanish  fort  is  an  interesting  feature, 
now  floating  the  American  flag.  While  there  are  a  few 
thousand  Americans  here,  the  majority  are  Spanish,  jmd  one 
feels  as  if  he  is  in  a  foreign  land  as  much  as  in  Port  of  Spain. 
Since  the  U.  S.  has  taken  possession,  it  is  open  to  the  Gospel 
and  the  strength  of  Catholicism  has  weakened.  The  Meth- 
odists, Presbyterians,  and  Christian  Missionary  Alliance  have 
work  here.  We  tried  to  find  the  church  of  the  latter,  but 
were  unsuccessful,  so  attended  the  Methodist  Church.  *  In  the 

290 


afternoon  we  had  a  most  interesting  interview  with  a  Jew 
and  a  Spaniard,  both  friendly  to  the  Christ,  and  we  believe 
the  seed  fell  on  good  ground. 

We  are  now  off  for  the  last  run  for  New  York  (five  days* 
voyage),  and  have  been  given  tickets  for  the  lifeboats,  in 
the  case  of  need. 

May  25 

We  expect  to  reach  New  York  tonight.  Everyone  is  ex- 
pectant. We  have  left  the  tropics,  and  it  is  cold.  We  en- 
countered a  gale  after  leaving  Porto  Rico,  and  were  in  it 
for  sixty  hours,  and  the  sea  was  very  rough  for  two  days.  The 
waves  came  over  the  upper  deck  and  the  lower  was  under 
water  most  of  the  time.  The  dishes  were  strapped  on  the 
tables  and  many  of  the  passengers  were  sick.  We  went  to 
the  table  three  times  a  day,  and  were  told  that  we  were  a 
good  sailor.  We  also  saw  a  school  of  dolphin.  They 
leaped  and  gamboled  in  the  water  like  young  colts  in  a  pas- 
ture. 

New  York,  Map  26 

Another  promise  has  been  verified:  "He  shall  preserve  thy 
going  out  and  thy  coming  in."  Hallelujah!  "Praise  ye  the 
Lord."  Last  evening  at  8  o'clock  we  went  to  the  bow  of 
the  boat  to  watch  for  land.  About  twenty  miles  in  the  dis- 
tance we  could  see  two  lights.  Later  the  lights  on  the  New 
Jersey  shore  beamed  on  us  and  a  strong,  double-cross  flash- 
light sent  its  rays  across  the  waters.  We  walked  the  deck 
watching  for  more. 

About  9:30 

We  are  getting  close  to  shore,  and  the  lights  are  on  every 
side.  What  a  beautiful  sight  in  the  darkness!  and  what  a 
welcome  to   the   traveler!      We  cannot  help   but  contrast  it 

291 


with  the  case  of  a  saint  whose  race  is  nearly  run;  whose  gaze 
is  so  centered  on  that  heavenly  City  that  it  does  not  let  go 
until  the  gates  open  wide  to  receive  him. 

"1  hear  the  golden  harps  of  God, 

The  land  appears  in  view; 
The  land  from  which  I  never  more  shall  roam; 
I  see  the  King  of  glory, 

Whose  grace  has  brought  me  through; 
Hallelujah!     Hallelujah!      Almost    home. 

"And  the  city  had  no  need  of  the  sun,  neither  of  the  moon, 
to  shine  in  it:  for  the  glory  of  God  did  lighten  it,  and  the 
Lamb  is  the  light  thereof." 

We  anchored  outside  at  the  quarantine  station  for  the 
night,  and  in  the  morning  every  passenger  passed  before  the 
doctor  for  inspection.  The  harbor  is  full  of  interesting  craft, 
warships,  transports,  etc.,  flyng  the  flag  of  their  respective 
country.  After  numerous  delays,  we  finally  dock  about  10 
o'clock.  Our  coming  was  so  uncertain,  there  was  no  one 
among  the  crowd  on  shore  to  meet  us,  _  although  we  intently 
scanned  the  faces  to  see  if  there  might  be  a  famliar-  one.  We 
think  of  the  Other  Shore,  and  remember: 

"There'll  be  music,  there'll  be  singing, 
And  throughout  all  Heaven  ringing. 

There'll  be  shouts  of  alleluias  o'er  and  o'er; 
Bu4;  I  know  the  first  to  meet  me, 
And  with  welcome  smiles  to  greet  me. 

Will  be  Jesus,  when  I  reach  that  blissful  shore." 

Monday,  Ma\j  27 

We  secured  a  room  at  the  Alliance  Home,  and  late  in  the 
afternoon  our  mail  was  brought  to  us,  and  we  learned  that 
our  dear  mother  is  lingering  on  the  borderland,  held  back  by 
prayer,  waiting?  to  see  us.  We  wire  them  and  Cincnnati  of  our 
safe  arrival.     We  will  be  off  at  2  P.  M. 

We  have  felt  out  of  the  world  for  months.  The  news 
has  been  so  meager  that  now,  hearing  so  much  of  the  world's 

292 


events,  our  brain  hurts.     New  York  is  full  of  excitement,  and 
we  are  glad  to  be  off. 

Tuesday,  May  28 

We  are  within  four  hours  of  home.  Delightful  prospect! 
How  good  to  see  our  native  land!  How  we  have  feasted  on 
the  beautiful,  green  fields,  plowed  ground,  bountiful  gardens, 
etc.  How  God  has  blessed  our  country!  As  we  have  looked 
out  over  the  great  acres  of  green,  we  have  almost  longed  to 
get  out,  lay  our  face  on  the  grass  and  love  it.  Can  anyone 
understand  our  joy?  Not  unless  you,  too,  have  been  away 
in  another  land,  and  returned  home  to  appreciate  it. 

"My  native  country,  thee, 
Land   of   the   noble  free. 

Thy    name    I    love; 
I   love    thy   rocks    and    rills, 
Thy  woods  and  templed  hills, 
My   heart   with   rapture   thrills, 

LIKE  THAT  ABOVE." 

We  are  on  the  "last  mile  of  the  way"  of  our  journey, 
and  our  heart  is  singing: 

"When  I've  gone  the  last  mile  of  the  way, 
"  I  shall  rest  at  the  close  of  the  day; 
And  I  know  there  are  joys  that  await  me, 
When  I've  gone  the  last  mile  of  the  way." 

Cincinnati,  May  30 

"Home,   home,   sweet,   sweet    home, 
Be  it  ever  so  humble, 
There's  no  place  like  home." 

Prayer  has  been  answered  and  we  have  been  brought  home 
in  safety.  We  were  met  at  the  station  by  Brother  and  Sister 
Standley,  and  it  seemed  but  a  iew  moments  until  we  were  at 
the  School.  The  welcome  from  family,  teachers,  students 
and  workers  was  all  that  mortal  could  wish.  As  we  entered 
the  dining  room  the  following  day,  the  students  sang: 

293 


"There's  a  welcome  home,  a  welcome  home, 
A    Christian's    welcome    home,    hallelujah! 
A  welcome  home,  a  welcome  home, 
A  welcome  home  for  you." 

We  are  filled  with  gratitude  for  the  gracious  privilege  of 
visiting  these  mission  fields,  hearing  and  seeing  for  ourself, 
meeting  with  the  hundreds  who  have  been  redeemed,  and 
inspecting  the  great  work  that  has  been  accomplished  through 
the  devotion  and  self-sacrifice  and  arduous  labors  of  the 
precious  missionaries  who  have  and  are  giving  their  best  to 
Him  there.  In  God  we  have  reason  to  be  proud  of  the  young 
men  and  women  who  have  been  His  ambassadors  in  that  part 
of  His  needy  vineyard.  We  bespeak  for  Brother  Finch,  the 
able  superintendent,  whose  burdens  are  many,  and  the  band  of 
missionaries,  the  earnest,  united,  continuous  prayers  of  His 
people  with  their  hearty  co-operation.  Then,  together  all  will 
share  in  the  reward. 

And  now,  dear  friends,  the  time  has  come  to  say  "Goodby" 
for  this  time.  We  have  enjoyed  writing  for  you,  and  did 
not  dream  of  the  delight  and  appreciation  these  letters  afforded, 
until  we  have  been  almost  overcome  with  the  expressions  of 
genuine  pleasure  with  which  they  have  been  received.  This 
has  blessed  us  beyond  expression.  God  prompted  the  thought, 
guided  our  pen,  and  to  Him  be  the  praise.  We  thank  the 
great  Family  for  the'r  prayers.  How  keenly  sensitive  our 
spirit  was  to  them.  We  felt  the  answer.  As  we  stated  in 
the  first  Diary  Letter,  we  felt  that  we  walked  out  on  a  plank 
of  prayer,  and  now  we  can  say  it  extended  clear  to  the  West 
Indies  and  back.  We  felt  enveloped,  folded  and  wrapped  in 
a  mantle  of  prayer.  You  carried  the  burden,  and  we  were 
free.  God  clearly  guided,  even  to  the  last  voyage,  and  we 
have  a  fresh  proof  of  His  care,  for  the  day  we  reached  New 
York,  five  vessels  went  down  and  the  one  following  us  wa3 
torpedoed  and  sunk.      We  came  in  just  in  time.     We  call  on 

294 


the  whole  Family  to  help  us  praise  Him.  Sometimes  when 
we  cannot  find  words  to  express  our  thanks,  we  ask  David  to 
help  us  out,  and  as  we  were  reading  the  150th  Psalm,  we 
felt  we  wanted  him  to  bring  out  the  trumpet,  the  psaltery  and 
harp,  the  stringed  instruments  and  organs,  the  timbrel,  the  cym- 
bal and  the  high-sounding  cymbals,  and  with  all  the  stops 
and  swells  out,  let  one  mighty  chorus  of  praise  burst  forth. 
"Oh,  thai  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and 
for  his  wonderfhl  works  to  the  children  of  men!"  Hallelujah 
to  our  God,  who  doeth  wondrous  things." 

' '  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow, 
Praise  Him  all  creatures  here  below, 
Praise   Him  above  ye  heavenly  host, 
Praise  Father,   Son   and   Holy   Ghost." 


295 


"STIR  INTO  A  FLAME" 

(2  Tim.    1  :6— R.   V.    Margin.) 

"Stir  me,  oh,  stir  me.  Lord — /  care  not  hon>. 
But  stir  mp  heart  in  passion  for  the  world; 

Stir  me  to  give,  to  go,  but  most  to  pray. 
Stir  till  the  blood-red  barmer  be  unfurled 

O'er  lands  that  still  in  heathen  darkness  lie 

O'er  deserts  where  no  cross  is  lifted  high.  i 

Stir  me,  oh,  stir  me.  Lord,  till  all  ml;  heart 
Is  filled  with  strong  compassion  for  these  souls; 

Till  Thy  compelling  ''must"  drives  me  io  pray. 
Till  Thy  constraining  love  reach  to  the  poles. 

Far  north  and  south,  in  burning  deep  desires. 

Till  east  and  west  are  caught  in  love's  great  fire. 

Stir  me,  oh,  stir  me.  Lord,  till  prayer  is  pain. 
Till  prayer  is  joy — till  prayer  turns  into  praise; 

Stir  me  till  heart  and  will  and  mind — yea,  all 
Is  wholly  thine  to  use  through  all  the  days; 

Stir  till  I  learn  to  pray  "exceedingly," 

Stir  till  I  learn  to  wait  expectantly. 

Stir  me,  oh,  stir  me.  Lord;  Thy  heart  was  stirred 
By  love's  intensest  fire,  till  Thou  didst  give 

Thine  only  Son,    Thy  best  beloved   One, 
E'en  to  the  dreadful  cross,  that  I  might  live. 

Stir  me  to  give  myself  so  bacl(  to  thee. 

That  Thou  canst  give  Thyself  again  through  me. 

Stir  me,  oh,  stir  me.  Lord;  for  I  can  see 

Thy  glorious   triumph   day  begin  to   b  ecl^; 

The  dawn  already  gilds  the  eastern  skv; 
Oh,  Church  of  Christ,  awake!  awa^e! 

Oh,  stir  us.  Lord,  as  herald  of  that  day. 

For  night  is  past — our  King  is  on  His  wav. 

— Selected. 

296  . 


'Waiting  for  the  Light" 


CHAPTER  17 
THE  CRY  FROM  ACROSS  THE  SEA 

Rev.  R.  G.  Finch 

In  Ps.  60:12  we  read,  "Through  God  we  shall  do  vali- 
antly: for  He  it  is  that  shall  tread  down  our  enemies." 

Whether  in  Africa,  South  America,  or  the  United  States, 
we  will  have  enemies  to  tread  us  down. 

But  God  says,  "He"  will  tread  them  down,  so  why  do  you 
ask  about  the  climate,  fever,  and  the  people,  and  then  shake 
your  head  if  to  say,  "Not  I!"  Let's  not  go  where  needed, 
but  where  needed  most,  and  trust  the  promises  rvhich  fail  not. 
While  praying  and  meditating  lately,  I  thought  much  of  what 
a  leading  evangelist  said  last  year.  He  said  he  would  like  to 
get  into  an  unworked  field  and  give  his  life  developing  same, 
growing  right  with  it.  We  believe  God  is  back  of  such 
thought,  in  this  case,  especially,  and  at  once  our  mind  carried 
us  to  the  great  neglected  colonies  and  islands  and  republics 
of  South  America. 

Take  the  island  of  Trinidad,  with  100,000  souls,  just  wait- 
ing for  a  Spirit-filled  man   (with  a  consecrated  life)   to  work. 

First,  in  order  to  meet  the  needs,  he  must  go  to  say,  the 
same  as  the  French  priests  and  nuns  have.  He  must  have 
the  field  on  his  heart  and  mind,  and  pray,  plan  and  do  every- 
thing in  his  power  to  establish  Holiness  meetings  in  every 
village  and  city.     This  will  take  time,  workers  and  money. 

299 


Second,  a  good  main  station  must  be  established  in  the 
principal  city,  with  a  reliable,  sanctified  congregation.  From 
this  congregation  God  will  call  workers;  so,  with  a  good  assist- 
ant to  help  at  the  main  station,  the  pastor  will  now  begin 
opening  up  stations  in  nearby  cities  and  placing  native  workers 
in  charge.  To  properly  do  this  he  must  have  a  good  riding 
horse,  a  motorcycle  or  auto  (according  to  roads,etc.).  This 
man,  with  his  consecrated  life,  wisdom,  faith,  and  the  home- 
land saints  backing  him,  will  slowly  but  surely  spread  holiness 
until  the  120,000  Hindus,  thousands  of  Chinese,  Portuguese, 
French  and  Spanish  will  hear  the  truth  right  in  their  own 
villages. 

But,  here  is  the  staggering  question:  "Where  are  the  men?" 
The  fields  are  there,  filled  with  hungry,  starving  souls.  The 
printing  presses  are  there  to  print  papers  and  tracts.  The  horses, 
mules,  motorcycles  and  autos  are  there,  to  carry  the  men  with 
their  messages  to  the  lanes,  highways,  hedges,  street  corners, 
villages  and  great  cities.  Ships  loaded  with  machinery  and 
food  visit  every  seaport  city  in  the  great  neglected  Southlands, 
to  carry  the  necessities  of  life.  Business  men  go  and  stay,  live 
and  get  rich;  but — but — where  are  the  shepherds,  the  heralds 
of  Light  and  Life?  A  leading  daily  recently  stated  that, 
"This  is  the  Golden  Age  for  the  Youth."  It  told  of  the 
pressing  demand  for  stenographers,  etc.,  and  how  scarce  mes- 
senger boys  are.  Good  pay?  Never  better.  Is  this  so,  and 
therefore  so  many  caught  by  "A  Golden  Age,"  that  God's 
call  is  unheard  and  unheeded? 

And  if  so  many  have  such  good  positions  and  this  is  the 
"Youths'  Golden  Age,"  surely  the  tithes  and  free-will  offer- 
ing should  send  out  an  army  of  missionaries  and  support  them 
there.     It  reminds  us  a  bit  of  the  following: 

Near  a  cold,  rough  shore  a  ship  is  wrecked.  The  passen- 
gers and  crew  flounder  in  the  waves,  screaming  for  help,  amid 

300 


floating  wreckage,  foam  and  cold  wind,  a  mile  from  &?iOre. 
Upon  the  shore  a  woman  falls  and  is  rendered  unconscious. 
Fifteen  strong,  healthy,  willing  folks  rush  and  hurry  to  help 
her  back  to  life.  Some  get  cold  water,  some  brin^  a  stretcher, 
some  telephone  the  doctor,  others  shed  a  few  tears  of  pity. 
All  at  once  it  is  announced,  a  ship  has  been  wrecked  and  two 
hundred  lives  are  perishing,  but  not  one  of  the  fifteen  is 
called  to  help  at  the  ship;  they  must  first  recover  and  make 
safe  and  secure  the  poor  woman.  However,  by  this  time  one 
man  is  halfway  to  the  ship  with  his  little  boat,  which  carries 
half  a  dozen.  Oh,  if  he  only  had  just  one  to  steer,  if  nothing 
else,  while  he  rows!  But  not  so;  he  battles  the  waves  alone, 
hears  the  cries  of  two  hundred  drowning  victims,  although  he 
can  save  but  six.  Perhaps  any  one  of  the  fifteen  was  more 
able  to  row  the  boat  than  the  lonely  oarsman,  but  he  got  up 
and  went.  Just  so  in  the  home  and  foreign  Gospel  work. 
Evangelists  and  pastors,  counting  converts  in  their  meetings  that 
have  been  counted  by  several  preachers  in  previous  revivals 
and  campmeetings,  while  unevangelized  millions  are  floundering 
and  perishing  in  the  seas  of  Romanism,  Hinduism  and  idol- 
atry within  one  week's  sail  from  our  shore.  A  little  handful 
of  missionaries  are  facing  facts,  gripping  the  oars  and  with 
faces  set  like  flint,  are  pulling  for  the  struggling  millions.  They 
realize  it  is  but  few  they  can  reach;  the  number  is  too  great; 
however,  they  will  do  their  best,  even  if  there  is  not  a  helper 
to  steer  the  boat  while  they  row. 

Dear  reader,  do  you  hear  the  cry  from  the  lost  across 
the  seas?  Are  you  among  the  fifteen  working  to  revive  one, 
or  are  you  helping  the  one  oarsman  face  the  waves,  siorm  and 
wind,  to  rescue  the  two  hundred?  Are  you  consecrated  for 
God's  vineyard?     Have  you  told  God  so?     Have  you  waited 

301 


to  hear  from  Him  about  your  going  and  giving?  Are  you 
making  a  sacrifice?  Are  you  making  your  plans,  or  is  God 
doing  it? 

LET  THERE  BE  LIGHT 
Thou,  whose  almighty  ivord 
Chaos  and  darkness  heard. 

And  took  iheir  flight; 
Hear  us,  we  humbly  pray. 
And  where  the  Gospel  day 
Sheds  not  its  glorious  ray, 
"'  "Let  there  be  light." 

Thou,  who  didst  come  to  bring 
On  Thy  redeeming  wing. 

Healing  and  sight. 
Health  to  the  sick  in  mind. 
Sight  to  the  inly  blind; 
O  now,  to  all  mankind, 

"Let  there  be  light." 
Spirit  of  truth  and  love. 
Life-giving,  holy  Dove, 

Speed  forth   Thy  flight; 
Move  o'er  the  Waters'  face 
By  Thine  almighty  grace; 
And  m  earth's  darkest  place, 

"Let  there  be  light." 
Blessed  and  holy  Three, 
Glorious   Trinity, 

Wisdom,  Love,  Might, 
Boundless  as  ocean  s  tide 
Rolling  in  fullest  pride. 
O'er  the  world  far  and  wide, 

"Let  there  be  light."  — John  Marriott. 

302 


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